BYU could surprise in East, gave No. 1 Zags a scare
FILE - In this Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020 file photo, BYU guard Alex Barcello, right, defends Gonzaga guard Ryan Woolridge during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Spokane, Wash. Heading into the season, there wasn't a lot of talk about No. 23. BYU. This was supposed to be a rebuilding season in Provo, Utah for coach Mark Pope and his Cougars. Guess again. BYU went 20-6 playing with a returning senior guard, three transfers and a freshman and they seemingly are getting better heading into their first NCAA Tournament since 2015. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

FILE - In this Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020 file photo, BYU guard Alex Barcello, right, defends Gonzaga guard Ryan Woolridge during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Spokane, Wash. Heading into the season, there wasn't a lot of talk about No. 23. BYU. This was supposed to be a rebuilding season in Provo, Utah for coach Mark Pope and his Cougars. Guess again. BYU went 20-6 playing with a returning senior guard, three transfers and a freshman and they seemingly are getting better heading into their first NCAA Tournament since 2015. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

Mar. 17, 2021 04:30 PM EDT
FILE - In this Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021 file photo, BYU guard Brandon Averette (4) prepares to pass the ball while pressured by Gonzaga forward Drew Timme (2) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Spokane, Wash. Heading into the season, there wasn't a lot of talk about No. 23. BYU. This was supposed to be a rebuilding season in Provo, Utah for coach Mark Pope and his Cougars. Guess again. BYU went 20-6 playing with a returning senior guard, three transfers and a freshman and they seemingly are getting better heading into their first NCAA Tournament since 2015. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

FILE - In this Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021 file photo, BYU guard Brandon Averette (4) prepares to pass the ball while pressured by Gonzaga forward Drew Timme (2) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Spokane, Wash. Heading into the season, there wasn't a lot of talk about No. 23. BYU. This was supposed to be a rebuilding season in Provo, Utah for coach Mark Pope and his Cougars. Guess again. BYU went 20-6 playing with a returning senior guard, three transfers and a freshman and they seemingly are getting better heading into their first NCAA Tournament since 2015. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

Mar. 17, 2021 04:29 PM EDT
FILE - In this Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020 file photo, BYU head coach Mark Pope talks to his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Utah State in Logan, Utah. Heading into the season, there wasn't a lot of talk about No. 23. BYU. This was supposed to be a rebuilding season in Provo, Utah for coach Mark Pope and his Cougars. Guess again. BYU went 20-6 playing with a returning senior guard, three transfers and a freshman and they seemingly are getting better heading into their first NCAA Tournament since 2015.(Eli Lucero/The Herald Journal via AP, Pool)

FILE - In this Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020 file photo, BYU head coach Mark Pope talks to his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Utah State in Logan, Utah. Heading into the season, there wasn't a lot of talk about No. 23. BYU. This was supposed to be a rebuilding season in Provo, Utah for coach Mark Pope and his Cougars. Guess again. BYU went 20-6 playing with a returning senior guard, three transfers and a freshman and they seemingly are getting better heading into their first NCAA Tournament since 2015.(Eli Lucero/The Herald Journal via AP, Pool)

Mar. 17, 2021 04:21 PM EDT