BYU’s basketball team is set to extend its winning momentum at home in Salt Lake City after a commanding victory over Ohio State on November 2. The Cougars’ next opponent is Omaha, a team ranked 272nd in KenPom, far below BYU’s own No. 25 standing. The home opener tips off at 7 p.m. Mountain Time on ESPN+.
BYU’s strong performance against Ohio State has raised expectations for tonight’s game. The Cougars hold a 99 percent win probability according to KenPom’s prediction, which forecasts a 94-67 victory in BYU’s favor. The betting line has shifted from a 29.5-point favorite to 32.5, reflecting confidence in BYU’s dominance. The point total is set at 161.5.
Omaha enters the game after a narrow 73-65 win over Mid American Christian, an NAIA school, in their season opener on Monday. The Mavericks were predicted to finish fourth in the Summit League preseason poll. Their standout player is guard Grant Stubblefield, a preseason All-Summit pick who has remained with Omaha for four seasons. Last season, Stubblefield averaged 9.3 points and 3.3 assists per game. North Texas transfer Cahmai Crosby led Omaha in scoring against Mid American Christian with 21 points, shooting 4-of-7 from three-point range.
In the frontcourt, Omaha starts two 6-foot-8 players. Isaac Ondekane, listed at 6-foot-8 and 250 pounds, returns as the team’s center and a starter. Despite these veterans, Omaha remains a middling mid-major team with limited offensive firepower and defensive depth compared to BYU.
BYU’s roster features Jaxon Kohler, who will look to exploit Omaha’s frontcourt vulnerabilities after controlling the paint against Ohio State. Rob Wright, who scored 35 points in BYU’s opening win, is expected to continue his scoring run. The game presents an opportunity for players like Brooks Bahr and Jake Wahlin to gain confidence with more minutes and scoring chances. Petar Ostojic and Dean Rueckert are also likely to see increased playing time as BYU’s rotation expands.
This match is expected to be a chance for BYU’s bench to build rhythm and for the team to push past the 100-point mark. The predicted final score is 101-67, with BYU comfortably covering the spread. The only uncertainty is whether the Cougars will reach triple digits, given Omaha’s defensive limits.
Tonight’s game will offer a clearer sense of how BYU’s depth holds up in less challenging matchups, following their high-profile win over Ohio State. The Cougars aim to maintain their AP ranking at 25 and build consistent performances as the season progresses.
According to Yahoo Sports.
