Instant insights from Win Over UC Riverside

PROVO, Utah – BYU Basketball defeated UC Riverside 86-80 on Friday to improve to 2-0.

Here are some immediate takeaways from the win.

Good, better, best

BYU seems to be looking for the best shooting options instead of settling for the good option. Egor Demin provided seven of BYU’s 15 assists against UC Riverside.

Although UC Riverside defended 3-point shots, BYU was able to look for the “better” shots and make them in the paint.

The chemistry between these players on the pitch is visible as they share the ball and provide each other with scoring opportunities.

Traore block ➡️ Demin bucket#BYUHoops #BYU pic.twitter.com/H8UU52Tpum

— Ally Braithwaite (@allyb_7) November 9, 2024

This BYU team puts on a show

This could be one of the most entertaining BYU teams in a long time. The The Marriott Center was thrilled with every piece.

Demin had the crowd going wild after throwing down a dunk to end the first half and another in the second. Kanon Catchings and Keba Keita did the same, each with a dunk in the second half. Fousseyni Traore also caused a stir with two blocks.

Egor Demin’s slam dunk ended the first half. 😮 #BYUHoops pic.twitter.com/BZ0g30qmPI

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 9, 2024

BYU is fortunate to have Richie Saunders back

At the end of last season, Mark Pope’s announcement that he was leaving BYU caused Richie Saunders to enter the transfer portal and BYU fans wondered if he would be gone for good.

In just two games this season, Saunders has shown BYU fans why they are lucky to have him. He’s a hustler. Trevin Knell described Saunders as a two-speed person. “Fast and super fast.”

Saunders had 12 points against UC Riverside and a game-changing block in the second half. Just when it looked like UC Riverside had a wide-open, breakaway basket, Saunders sprinted down the court to block the ball.

“I wasn’t surprised,” head coach Kevin Young said on Saunders’ block. “That’s exactly how he is.”

Ally Braithwaite is an intern at KSL NewsRadio and KSL Sports, helping with BYU football coverage. Braithwaite is currently studying journalism at Brigham Young University. Follow her on X: @allyb_7.

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