Bracketology 2020: Providence, UCLA and Kansas among biggest winners

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 25: Cody Riley #2 and Chris Smith #5 of the UCLA Bruins line up on the lane against Kolby Lee #40 of the BYU Cougars during the second half at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 25, 2019 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

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LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Mark Pope of the BYU Cougars (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

BYU Cougars (22-7, 11-3 WCC)

It’s been a gradual climb for the Cougars since getting Yoeli Childs back from the nine-game suspension from the NCAA to start the season. They’ve been solid all season thanks to their senior-laden squad and a number of heroic efforts from TJ Haws, He came up clutch in the earlier game this week against Santa Clara, going for 28 points and nine assists.

But the game of most importance was Senior Night versus the No. 2 Gonzaga Bulldogs, who have a number of incredible win streaks in the WCC. However, the three-point shooting combined with Yoeli Childs going for 28 and 10 paved the way for the 91-78 upset win. If there were any questions about whether or not the Cougars were going to be dancing, this victory ends the four-year drought for the program.

This win also helps BYU avoid the dreaded 8-9 seed range for the NCAA Tournament, now projected to be around the 5-6 range. Considering that Sunday play effectively eliminates them from being slotted in two of the regions, so the possibility of them getting under-seeded was real. Beating Gonzaga alleviates that, with the WCC Tournament and potential games against both Saint Mary’s and Gonzaga still to come. But no matter where they get seeded, this is not a team you want to see in your region.

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