BYU Cougars
Record: 23-11
Head coach: Dave Rose (9th season)
Season summary: If you thought the days of Jimmer Fredette were gone, think again: BYU can still score in bunches. The Cougars boast the third-highest scoring offense in the nation (84.2 PPG) and grab the sixth-most rebounds per game (41.2 RPG). But defense is certainly not their strong suit, as BYU allows an average of 77.0 points per game to opposing offenses. The Cougars lost in the WCC championship game to Gonzaga and have not been effective against ranked opponents throughout the season (1-4). The biggest threat to BYU's postseason success is the recent season-ending knee injury to guard Kyle Collinsworth, who led the team in rebounds and assists. The loss of the sophomore means a larger load for junior guard Tyler Haws, who averages a team-high 23.4 points per game. BYU plays Oregon in the Round of 64—the Cougars fell to the Ducks 100-96 in overtime Dec. 21.
How they make a run: Haws continues to put up big scoring numbers and the Cougars manage to outgun teams for a couple upsets.
How they falter: A lacking defensive presence and no solid second scoring option allow opposing teams to contain Haws and the Cougars fail to keep pace with their opponents.
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