Kevin Young's first regular season at BYU is in the books.
Young's Cougars are heading into the Big 12 tournament on an eight game winning streak, with a 85-74 victory over rival Utah Saturday night the latest highlight of their heater.
"I'm just happy for our four seniors to come out here and get a win, especially against Utah," Young told reporters after the game. "We felt like we owed them one from what happened up at their place. I'm happy for our guys to send them out of this incredible building on a winning note. Kudos to Utah for playing hard."
BYU missed its first 13 attempts from 3-point range before Dawson Baker finally netted one late in the first half. Baker was one of five Cougars to reach double figures in scoring, coming off the bench to lead the team with 15 points thanks to 4 of 7 shooting, including three made triples.
Utah Utes guard Mike Sharavjamts (25) and Brigham Young Cougars guard Egor Demin (3) fight for possession of the ball during a basketball game at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
The Utah Utes team warms up before a basketball game against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars fans cheer after the Brigham Young Cougars score during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars fans cheer during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars fans cheer during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars fans cheer during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Utah Utes forward Ezra Ausar (2) takes a free-throw shot during a basketball game against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars fans cheer during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars fans cheer and Brigham Young Cougars guard Trevin Knell (21) celebrates after after the Brigham Young Cougars score during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars fans cheer after the Brigham Young Cougars score during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars guard Dallin Hall (30) and Brigham Young Cougars guard Trey Stewart (1) celebrate after the Brigham Young Cougars score during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars guard Dallin Hall (30) and Utah Utes guard Hunter Erickson (0) reach for the ball as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes guard Hunter Erickson (0) goes up high and catches the ball out of the air and slams it down as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes forward Ezra Ausar (2) battles Brigham Young Cougars guard Trey Stewart (1) as he brings the ball up court as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes interim head coach Josh Eilert, yells at a referee to call a foul as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes guard Hunter Erickson (0) celebrates after a monster dunk as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes center Joul Karram (5) and Utah Utes guard Brady Smith (6) react after watching Utah Utes guard Hunter Erickson (0) hammer down a dunk as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes forward Zach Keller (32) takes a swipe at the ball as Brigham Young Cougars forward Mihailo Boskovic (5) crosses as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes guard Hunter Erickson (0) looks to put up a shot as Brigham Young Cougars guard Dallin Hall (30) rolls on the floor as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars guard Trevin Knell (21) and Brigham Young Cougars guard Trey Stewart (1) celebrate as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars center Fousseyni Traore (45) battles Utah Utes forward Jake Wahlin (10) as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars guard Trey Stewart (1) defends Utah Utes forward Ezra Ausar (2) at the hoop as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars guard Egor Demin (3) and Brigham Young Cougars guard Trevin Knell (21) celebrate as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars cheerleaders and Cosmo perform as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes players watch from he bench as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
A Brigham Young Cougars cheerleader yells as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes center Lawson Lovering (34) spins on Brigham Young Cougars center Keba Keita (13) as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
A Brigham Young Cougars fan does his best to dance during a timeout as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes guard Gabe Madsen (55) looks for help as Brigham Young Cougars guard Trey Stewart (1) and Brigham Young Cougars center Fousseyni Traore (45) rush at him as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes guard Miro Little (1) shoots over Brigham Young Cougars guard Dawson Baker (25) as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes guard Miro Little (1) drives to the hoop on Brigham Young Cougars guard Trey Stewart (1) as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars center Keba Keita (13) complains to a referee as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars center Keba Keita (13) at a timeout as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes guard Mike Sharavjamts (25) shoots over Brigham Young Cougars guard Dawson Baker (25) as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars guard Dawson Baker (25) fouls Utah Utes forward Keanu Dawes (8) as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes interim head coach Josh Eilert, watches from the sideline as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes center Lawson Lovering (34) is fouled by Brigham Young Cougars forward Mihailo Boskovic (5) as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars forward Mihailo Boskovic (5) tries to get the ball as Utah Utes forward Keanu Dawes (8) grabs it as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars guard Trevin Knell (21) celebrates after hitting a tree point shot as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes players watch from he bench as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars forward Mawot Mag (0) celebrates after a tree point shot as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars center Fousseyni Traore (45) watches as Brigham Young Cougars guard Dawson Baker (25) maintains possession of the ball while being guarded during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Utah Utes center Lawson Lovering (34) and Brigham Young Cougars center Keba Keita (13) fight for possession of the ball during a basketball game at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars players huddle before playing against the Utah Utes during a basketball game at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars guard Dallin Hall (30) reacts after falling during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Utah Utes forward Ezra Ausar (2) searches for a teammate to pass the ball while guarded by Brigham Young Cougars center Keba Keita (13) during a basketball game at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars fans cheer during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars forward Richie Saunders (15) guards Utah Utes guard Miro Little (1) during a basketball game at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars players cheer for their teammates during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars forward Richie Saunders (15) drives the ball toward the basket during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars forward Richie Saunders (15) dunks the ball during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars guard Trevin Knell (21) celebrates with players and coaches during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Utah Utes guard Gabe Madsen (55) passes the ball during a basketball game against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars players celebrate after Brigham Young Cougars won 85-74 against the Utah Utes during a basketball game at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars cheerleaders cheer during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
The Brigham Young Cougars mascot energizes the crowd during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars players celebrate after Brigham Young Cougars won 85-74 against the Utah Utes during a basketball game at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars players celebrate after Brigham Young Cougars won 85-74 against the Utah Utes during a basketball game at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars players celebrate after Brigham Young Cougars won 85-74 against the Utah Utes during a basketball game at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars fans embrace the team after the Brigham Young Cougars won 85-74 against the Utah Utes during a basketball game at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Utah Utes forward Ezra Ausar (2) goes up for a basket against the Brigham Young Cougars during a basketball game at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Utah Utes and Brigham Young Cougars players embrace after Brigham Young Cougars won 85-74 against the Utah Utes during a basketball game at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars center Keba Keita (13) jumps up to dunk the ball during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Utah Utes forward Keanu Dawes (8) goes up for a basket during a basketball game against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
The Brigham Young Cougars mascot does a flip during a basketball game against the Utah Utes at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars fans embrace the team after the Brigham Young Cougars won 85-74 against the Utah Utes during a basketball game at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars guard Trevin Knell (21) drives on Utah Utes center Lawson Lovering (34) as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes forward Ezra Ausar (2) is guarded by Brigham Young Cougars forward Mihailo Boskovic (5) during a basketball game at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars center Keba Keita (13) puts his hand on Utah Utes forward Ezra Ausar's (2) face as he dunks the ball during a basketball game at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Utah Utes forward Jake Wahlin (10) and Utah Utes center Lawson Lovering (34) go for the rebound against the Brigham Young Cougars during a basketball game at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Utah Utes guard Gabe Madsen (55) passes the ball during a basketball game against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Utah Utes guard Gabe Madsen (55) dives after the ball as Brigham Young Cougars guard Dallin Hall (30) snatches it away as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars forward Mawot Mag (0) puts up a shot over Utah Utes forward Ezra Ausar (2) as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars guard Trevin Knell (21) drives past Utah Utes forward Jake Wahlin (10) as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars forward Mihailo Boskovic (5) is called for a travel as Utah Utes forward Keanu Dawes (8) defends on the play as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars forward Mawot Mag (0) tries to defend Utah Utes guard Gabe Madsen (55) as he puts up a shot as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars forward Mawot Mag (0) and Utah Utes forward Ezra Ausar (2) battle for the ball as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes forward Jake Wahlin (10) loses the ball as he falls between Brigham Young Cougars forward Mihailo Boskovic (5) and Brigham Young Cougars guard Dallin Hall (30) as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes forward Ezra Ausar (2) screams after dunking the ball as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, March 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kevin Young calls out to his players as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kevin Young calls out to his players as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kevin Young fives Brigham Young Cougars forward Richie Saunders (15) as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kevin Young gestures as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars fans cheer during the game as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars guard Dawson Baker (25) brings the ball up court as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
After sinking a three point shot to end the first half, Brigham Young Cougars guard Dallin Hall (30) celebrates with. Teammate Brigham Young Cougars forward Mihailo Boskovic (5) as BYU and Utah play at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday February 8, 2025. BYU won 85-74. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
"We have a lot of depth in our locker room, so on a given night we can have different guys step up and lead us in scoring," Young said. "Dawson's a guy who probably deserves more minutes ... that guy can deliver."
Additionally, following a 29-turnover showing at Iowa State earlier in the week, BYU turned the ball over just 10 times against the Runnin' Utes.
"After the Iowa State game, that was something we wanted to be better at," Young said. "The bottom line for BYU basketball is turnover control and rebound control. If we are good in those two areas, I think we can beat anyone in the country."
Young's Cougars have gotten hot at the perfect time. In the past month, BYU has picked up five Quad 1 wins and played its way off the bubble, firmly establishing a resumé worthy of a possible 6 or 7 seed in the NCAA tournament.
"I'm proud of the fact that we started out 1-3 and then 2-4 (in conference play) and didn't melt down," Young said. "We just came into work every day and tried to be a solution-oriented type of group. It's a real testament to just staying the course and trying to get better. I know that sounds cliché in sports, but that's exactly what we did.
"... I never put a benchmark on what I thought we could or couldn't do. It became pretty obvious for me early on that we could be a good basketball team, and the more I saw other teams in the league and the country, I felt like we have what it takes to be one of the best teams of the country."
