Delaney Gibb Leads BYU Past Utah 70-52 as Cougars Advance to Big 12 Tournament Quarterfinal Against No. 10 TCU

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Delaney Gibb recorded 19 points, eight assists, and four steals to lead BYU to a decisive 70-52 victory over rival Utah on Thursday, sending the Cougars into the Big 12 women’s basketball tournament quarterfinals after a dominant second half performance.

The ninth seeded BYU Cougars improved to 22-10 and extended their winning streak to five games with the victory, while also completing a season sweep of Utah. BYU defeated the eighth seeded Utes for the third time this season and now advances to face top seeded and No. 10 ranked TCU on Friday.

Gibb controlled the tempo throughout the game, knocking down four three point shots and consistently creating opportunities for teammates. Brinley Cannon added 12 points and matched Gibb with four three point baskets, while Lara Rohkohl contributed 12 points and eight rebounds, scoring all of her points after halftime.

Utah (19-12) struggled to generate consistent offense outside of Lani White, who led the Utes with 20 points and was the only Utah player to reach double figures.

The latest timeline of the game shifted dramatically during the third quarter. BYU trailed by 11 points early in the period before mounting a decisive run fueled by improved shooting and defensive pressure. The Cougars shot 53 percent in the quarter and outscored Utah 24-7, closing the period with the final 15 points to take a 51-43 lead entering the fourth.

Gibb continued to push the momentum early in the final quarter. Her three point basket extended BYU’s advantage to 12 points while Utah went more than five minutes without scoring. In the closing moments Gibb added another long three point attempt as the shot clock expired, pushing the lead to 16 points with 1:18 remaining and effectively sealing the result.

The first half featured significant momentum swings. BYU opened strong, shooting efficiently from long range with six three point baskets in the first quarter to take a 22-17 lead. However, the Cougars went cold from the perimeter in the second quarter, missing all six three point attempts and shooting just 2 of 12 overall from the field.

Utah capitalized on the scoring drought. The Utes went on a 13-0 run and outscored BYU 19-5 in the quarter to take a 36-27 lead into halftime. White led the surge, scoring 11 of her 16 first half points during the stretch.

Despite neither team shooting above 40 percent for the game, BYU created separation through perimeter shooting and defensive pressure. The Cougars finished 11 of 30 from three point range and forced 19 Utah turnovers, converting those mistakes into 18 points.

The impact of the result is significant for BYU’s postseason outlook. The Cougars enter the quarterfinal round with momentum after five consecutive victories and improved defensive efficiency late in the season. The next step presents a major challenge against TCU, which earned the top seed in the conference tournament and currently sits inside the national top 10 rankings.

BYU and TCU previously met on December 31, when TCU earned a 72-48 victory in Provo. That result provides a clear benchmark heading into the rematch as BYU looks to extend its tournament run.

Utah now shifts its focus to the NCAA tournament selection process. With 19 wins and a competitive Big 12 schedule, the Utes remain in consideration for postseason placement but will await the selection committee’s decision as conference tournaments conclude across the country.

The upcoming quarterfinal matchup between BYU and TCU will provide the latest test for a Cougars team that has gained momentum at the right point in the season. With improved shooting, disciplined defense, and strong guard play from Gibb, BYU enters the next round with a clear opportunity to challenge the conference’s top seed.