PROVO, Utah – The BYU Cougars will celebrate Senior Night this Saturday as they prepare to face No. 10 Texas Tech in their final regular-season game. The contest, scheduled for 8:30 p.m. MST at the Marriott Center and televised on ESPN, will honor Richie Saunders, Keba Keita, Mihailo Boskovic, and walk-on Jared McGregor for their contributions to the program. Yet, the celebratory atmosphere is tempered by a recent three-game losing streak and questions surrounding the team’s performance as they head into the Huge 12 tournament.
The Cougars (20-10, 8-9) have struggled in recent weeks, particularly following a season-ending ACL injury sustained by senior guard Richie Saunders during the February 14th game against Colorado. The injury has significantly impacted BYU’s offensive output, leaving a void that freshman Aleksej Kostic has begun to fill. Despite the team’s recent struggles, coach Kevin Young emphasizes the importance of recognizing the departing seniors and maintaining team unity.
Kostic Steps Up During Saunders’ Absence
Aleksej Kostic, a 6-foot-4 guard from Austria, has emerged as a key contributor in Saunders’ absence. He has scored in double figures in each of the past three games – losses to UCF, West Virginia, and Cincinnati – primarily through three-point shooting. Kostic has connected on 12 of 24 three-point attempts, totaling 40 points over those three contests. “I just always believe in myself, believe in my operate, and am just trying to step up into a bigger role since we lost so many players, and also trying to use the opportunity coach gave me,” Kostic told the Deseret News after the Cincinnati game.
Coach Young credited former BYU star Charles Abouo, now a graduate assistant, for bolstering Kostic’s confidence. Kostic’s increased playing time – he played 15 minutes against Colorado after Saunders’ injury, his most significant action since a December game against UC Riverside – reflects the team’s need for offensive support. Young noted Kostic’s work ethic and ability to “stretch the floor,” adding, “He’s been a bright spot, no question.”
Senior Night and Tournament Implications
Saturday’s game carries significant weight beyond Senior Night festivities. BYU’s performance will directly impact their seeding in the upcoming Big 12 tournament, scheduled to begin Tuesday at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. Currently tied with West Virginia for ninth place in the league standings with a record of 8-9, the Cougars’ fate hinges on the outcome of both their game against Texas Tech and West Virginia’s Friday night matchup against UCF.
If West Virginia wins, BYU will secure the No. 10 seed and face No. 15 seed Kansas State in the first round at 5 p.m. MST on Tuesday. A BYU victory over Texas Tech combined with a West Virginia loss would elevate the Cougars to the No. 9 seed and a Tuesday matchup against No. 16 seed Utah at 1 p.m. MST. The team’s recent struggles haven’t fractured the locker room, according to Young. “The thing I love about our group is it has not torn the team apart,” he said. “The last road trip was difficult, but guys are in a great place.”
The absence of Saunders, along with earlier season-ending injuries to Dawson Baker and Nate Pickens, has undoubtedly challenged the team. However, the focus remains on honoring the departing seniors and preparing for the challenges ahead in the Big 12 tournament. Saunders, in particular, is recognized for his four years of dedication to the program and will move on to professional basketball as a beloved figure in BYU history.
Looking ahead, BYU will navigate the Big 12 tournament with the goal of building momentum and making a strong showing. The outcome of Saturday’s game against Texas Tech will not only honor the seniors but also shape the Cougars’ postseason path.
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