BYU made an impressive debut in the Big 12 basketball tournament as they secured a convincing win over UCF, advancing to the quarterfinals. The Cougars displayed a balanced scoring attack and a torrid start that left the Knights chasing from behind throughout the game.

Right from the tip-off, BYU showcased their offensive prowess, storming to a 14-0 lead. Aly Khalifa, Dallin Hall, and Trevin Knell all contributed with early 3-pointers, setting the tone for the Cougars' dominant performance. Despite a slight slowdown before halftime due to turnovers, BYU managed to maintain a comfortable margin, leading 34-25 at the break.

UCF's Darius Johnson tried to lead a comeback charge, pouring in an impressive 32 points, including 19 in the second half. However, his efforts proved insufficient as he lacked support from his teammates. UCF struggled to find their shooting rhythm, mustering a 39% field goal percentage.

Scoring balance has been the trademark of BYU this season, and it was no different in this game. Fousseyni Traore led the Cougars with 14 points, followed by Dallin Hall and Richie Saunders, who each contributed 13 points. Trevin Knell made a significant impact off the bench with 12 points. The bench itself provided a significant boost, accounting for 36 points in total. Notably, Noah Waterman, Spencer Johnson, Aly Khalifa, and Jaxson Robinson all made valuable contributions, scoring eight points or more.

BYU's proficiency from beyond the arc proved vital to their success, as they connected on 14 of 30 attempts from the 3-point line, a remarkable 47%. Their overall field goal percentage was equally impressive, shooting 47% from the field.

The No. 20-ranked Cougars now boast a record of 23-9, while UCF's journey in the tournament comes to an end, finishing with a 17-15 record. BYU's victory is a testament to their ability to adapt quickly to unfamiliar surroundings, as they overcame early concerns about playing in an unfamiliar arena.

With this resounding win, BYU has firmly announced their arrival in the Big 12 tournament, setting their sights on further success as they move into the quarterfinals. The Cougars' balanced scoring and relentless offensive firepower will undoubtedly make them a formidable opponent as the tournament progresses.

BYU's next challenge awaits them in the quarterfinals, where they will face a tough test against their Big 12 rivals. The Cougars will look to build on their impressive performance and continue their journey toward tournament glory.