It’s been a less than encouraging start to Big 12 play for BYU. After an opening win over Arizona State, the Cougars have been manhandled by Houston and taken down at home by Texas Tech. Kevin Young’s squad is 1-2 against conference foes thus far, with the latest Bracketology projections leaving them out of the tournament field.

BYU thought No. 14 Houston was difficult to defend? Boy, wait until they get a load of Texas Tech. The Cougars surrendered 16 3-pointers in Saturday’s 86-65 loss at Houston, suffered 15 turnovers and were badly outrebounded.

BYU suffered its first home loss of the Kevin Young era on Tuesday night, falling 72-67 to visiting Texas Tech because it couldn't stop the Red Raiders down the stretch

The Cougars faded late in a 72-67 defeat to Texas Tech Tuesday night at the Marriott Center, dropping to 1-2 in Big 12 play after consecutive losses. BYU’s defense fell apart down the stretch. After taking a 1-point lead with 6:50 left to play,

Apparently, playing defense takes a lot out of BYU. The Cougars held the No. 1 field goal percentage team in the country, Texas Tech, to just 37% from the field in the first half on Tuesday, their best defensive performance against a quality opponent this season.