No. 23 Brigham Young University (BYU) defeated Queens University 98-82 in a men’s college basketball game at the Marriott Center on Tuesday, extending their season record to 3-0. The game featured strong performances from both teams, with BYU managing to secure the win despite a resilient effort from Queens.
Queens University, coming off a successful run in the NCAA Tournament last season and returning four starters, was anticipated to pose a challenge. BYU’s strategy focused on limiting Queens’ scoring opportunities in the paint, a tactic that proved effective as the Royals scored only 24 points in that area. However, Queens compensated by making 14 three-pointers, keeping the contest competitive.
BYU head coach Kevin Young acknowledged the challenge posed by Queens. “Well, No. 1, Queens is good and they’re well coached,” Young said. “They’ve got some guys off of a tournament team, so they play a unique style.” He noted that while BYU struggled initially with their defensive adjustments, the team improved as the game progressed.
Leading the Cougars offensively was Rob Wright III, who scored 21 points and contributed four rebounds and six assists. Jaxon Kohler and Bruce Branch III added 15 points each, with Kohler shooting a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. Nate Pickens also scored 15 points, while Collin Chandler chipped in 12 points.
Wright reflected on the team’s shooting prowess, stating, “We have so many talented shooters… we just try and trust each other and keep building that trust, and we know the shots gonna keep falling.” The Cougars made 17 three-pointers overall, hitting 60% of their attempts in the first half, and were led by Pickens, who went 3-for-4 from three-point range.
Despite BYU’s early lead of 22 points, Queens mounted a comeback with a 12-2 run to close the gap to 54-42 at halftime. In the second half, BYU faced a rocky start but managed to regain control with a 13-0 run, ultimately maintaining a comfortable lead for most of the half.
Queens’ leading scorers, Jordan Watford and Nasir Mann, combined for 15 points, with Mann contributing 14. Rickey Ballard and Caleb Jones each scored 18 points for Queens, and Avantae Parker added 16 points as the team tried to keep pace with BYU.
BYU’s next game will be on Thursday against Montana State at the Marriott Center, as they look to continue their winning streak.
