### BYU Basketball Achieves Historic Double Overtime Victory Over Iowa State - On March 5, 2025, the No. 23 BYU Cougars pulled off a stunning upset against the No. 10 Iowa State Cyclones, winning 88-85 in a thrilling double overtime match held in Ames, Iowa. This victory marks a significant achievement for BYU, as it not only represents their seventh consecutive win but also their first victory at Hilton Coliseum, a venue where they had previously struggled. The win enhances BYU's standing in the Big 12 Conference, potentially positioning them for a high seed in the upcoming tournament, contingent on other teams' performances. *This game is being hailed as one of the best in BYU's program history* [https://www.si.com/college/byu/basketball/social-media-reacts-to-byu-double-overtime-thriller-over-no-10-iowa-state]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview**: - BYU's victory came after a challenging start, where they did not score for the first 6 minutes and 25 seconds. Despite this, they managed to recover and push the game into double overtime. 2. **Player Performances**: - Richie Saunders led the Cougars with 23 points and 6 rebounds, shooting 4-of-12 from the field and a perfect 13-of-13 from the free-throw line. - Dallin Hall contributed significantly with 22 points off the bench, including 4 three-pointers. - Other notable performances included Egor Demin with 12 points and Mawot Mag with 10 points. 3. **Iowa State's Struggles**: - Iowa State's loss was their third in four games, diminishing their chances for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Joshua Jefferson was the standout for the Cyclones, scoring 19 points. 4. **Implications of the Win**: - This victory not only boosts BYU's confidence but also enhances their tournament prospects, potentially allowing them to secure a No. 2 seed in the Big 12 Tournament depending on other results. ### Supporting Data and Statistics - **Scoring Breakdown**: - **BYU**: - Richie Saunders: 23 points (4-of-12 FG, 13-of-13 FT) - Dallin Hall: 22 points (4-of-9 3PT) - Egor Demin: 12 points - Mawot Mag: 10 points - **Iowa State**: - Joshua Jefferson: 19 points - Four starters scored in double figures. - **Game Statistics**: - BYU had 29 turnovers but managed to overcome this with strong free-throw shooting and resilience in overtime. - The game featured intense back-and-forth scoring, particularly in the overtime periods, showcasing both teams' determination. ### Conclusion: A Defining Moment for BYU Basketball 1. **Historic Win**: BYU's 88-85 double overtime victory over Iowa State is a landmark achievement, showcasing their resilience and skill under pressure. 2. **Player Highlights**: Key contributions from Richie Saunders and Dallin Hall were pivotal in securing the win. 3. **Future Prospects**: This victory positions BYU favorably for the upcoming Big 12 Tournament, with potential for a high seed, while Iowa State faces challenges in their tournament aspirations. This game will be remembered as a defining moment in BYU's season and a testament to their growth as a competitive force in college basketball [https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/no-23-byu-pulls-out-double-ot-win-over-no-10-iowa-st-2025-03-05, https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/no_23_byu_upsets_no_10_iowa_state_in_double_ot_slugfest/s1_13132_41854435].