campus activity/event story

Cougars Suffer Tough Loss as BYU Watch Parties Resume at BYUI

Kevin Young and the BYU Cougar’s NCAA Tournament hopes took a blow on Saturday as BYU-Idaho students gathered in the Manwaring Center. The University of Utah came away with a 73-72 victory over the Cougars.

Both teams battled, leaving fans both in Utah and Idaho on the edge of their seats, as the game remained close through its entirety.

Joseph Wilson, a Junior at BYUI in attendance on Saturday night talked about his experiences at the event.

“I just love the feeling of coming together that events like this provide," said Wilson. "I grew up watching BYU sports, so it’s fun to join with other BYU-Idaho students in cheering the Cougars on."

Although a tough loss, students gathered at the watch party were entertained by the plethora of activities put on by the BYU Watch Party committee.

Jacob Hess, a second semester freshmen at BYUI and a member of the Activities and Involvement Center, discussed the planning process for these events.

“The purpose of us hosting events like these is to get BYU fans together and for people to become friends with each other, to make a bigger community with other students,” said Hess.

The watch party saw students from all over campus come together to be a part of this event With BYU flags, T-shirts being sold and a blanket giveaway being held, the hustle and bustle filled the room as students bounced between activities Fans were able to build camaraderie while cheering on the Cougs. 

BYU Head Coach Kevin Young gave his thoughts following the game.

“We can’t dig ourselves in a hole, we have to find our way out of it," said Young. "We need to get on the road and get a win and regroup and hope we can weather the storm.”

The Cougars will have their shot to even the head-to-head against Utah when the Utes visit Provo on Saturday, March 1, 2025.