PROVO, Utah — After a nail-biting 91-89 victory over Wisconsin, BYU basketball fans poured into Provo Airport in the early hours of the morning to celebrate their team’s return. The Cougars are heading to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011, and their loyal supporters made sure to show their appreciation.
Unforgettable Atmosphere
The energy at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday night was electric, with BYU fans making their presence felt throughout the game. Head coach Kevin Young credited Cougar Nation for their unwavering support.
“It felt like a home game at times,” Young said. “The amount of blue in the crowd was unbelievable. Our fans really showed up for us.”
Locker Room Celebration
Inside the locker room, the team reveled in their hard-fought win.
“The emotions were just unreal,” said Trevin Knell, who contributed 14 points. “We had a great game plan, we stuck to it, and we executed when it mattered. The support from Cougar Nation was unforgettable.”
Point guard Dallin Hall echoed the excitement but remained focused on the road ahead.
“There’s a lot to celebrate, but we know the job isn’t done yet,” Hall said. “We’ve got more work to do.”
Looking Ahead to Alabama
With their spot in the Sweet 16 secured, BYU now turns its attention to a showdown with No. 2 seed Alabama. The Crimson Tide defeated Saint Mary’s to advance, setting up a high-stakes battle in Newark.
Mawot Mag, whose defensive play sealed the win against Wisconsin, reflected on the moment.
“This is something I dreamed about as a kid,” Mag said. “To actually be here, experiencing it—it means the world.”
Chasing History
BYU’s last Sweet 16 appearance came in 2011 with Jimmer Fredette leading the way. A win over Alabama would push the Cougars into the Elite Eight for the first time since 1981, when Danny Ainge made history with his legendary last-second shot against Notre Dame.
For first-year head coach Kevin Young, the moment was deeply emotional.
“It’s an incredible feeling to lead this team,” Young said. “Seeing my family in the crowd, knowing how much this means to so many people—it really hit me.”
BYU and Alabama are set to tip off at 5:09 p.m. MT on Thursday at the Prudential Center in Newark. The winner will advance to the Elite Eight, with Duke and Arizona facing off in the other Sweet 16 matchup later that night.
