BYU lost to Saint Mary’s 76-69 in the West Coast Conference tournament semifinals at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 6, 2023.
BYU photo
No. 5 seed BYU fell in the West Coast Conference tournament semifinals Monday night at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
Top-seed Saint Mary’s built a big lead, only to watch the Cougars cut the deficit to three with 32 seconds remaining. But the Gaels held on to defeat BYU 76-69 to advance to the WCC tournament title game Tuesday night.
It marked BYU’s final WCC tournament game, as the Cougars are set to join the Big 12 this summer.
Saint Mary’s seized a 26-point advantage, 56-30, in the first five minutes of the second half before the Cougars used a press and hot shooting to mount a furious rally. BYU trailed 74-69 when Rudi Williams’ shot was blocked by Logan Johnson with 22 seconds remaining.
The Gaels were led by Alex Ducas, who scored a game-high 23 points, including four 3-pointers. Aidan Mahaney added 18 points.
As bad as BYU played in the first half, it showed fight in the second, shooting 64%. But the Cougars’ comeback attempt ultimately fell short.
Source:: Deseret News – Sports News