The BYU Cougars play the Ole Miss Rebels on Tuesday for a spot in the 2015 NCAA Tournament's Round of 64. The "First Four" game, which you can watch via the live stream links provided below, tips off at 9:10 p.m. ET
Despite losing to Gonzaga in last Tuesday's 2015 West Coast Conference Tournament final, BYU's 25-9 record was good enough for a spot in the First Four. The Cougars had compiled eight straight wins before facing first-seeded Gonzaga in the final, which they lost 91-75.
Now, playing in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012, coach Dave Rose is hopeful for the chance to play Xavier in the next round. The last time Rose's team was in the tournament, it made history by rallying from a 25-point deficit against Iona and advancing on a 78-72 win, according to the Associated Press.
"I hope it's the second-half mojo and not the first half," Rose told the Associated Press. "We were able to get on a roll and finish that game off. I think this game could be similar to that."
The Cougars' success in the tournament will likely depend on them continuing to do what they've done well all season: running an up-tempo offense and hitting 3-pointers.
"We're a unique team," said BYU guard Kyle Collinsworth. "We push the ball. We get a ton of 3s. If we can play our game, I think we'll have a chance."
It's BYU's ability to push the ball that has Rebels coach Andy Kennedy most concerned.
"Their pace of play is unlike anything we've seen this season," he said. "People think I'm a liberal offensive coach. I'm the most conservative coach you've ever seen compared to the way that BYU runs and shoots quickly."
Ole Miss has a 20-12 record, but the team struggled down the stretch of the season. They've lost four of their last five games, including two straight, and will need a big game from junior guard Stefan Moody, who leads the team with 16.3 points per game.
