With 2:15 remaining against Houston, BYU forward Noah Waterman hit a three that tied the game at 68. One minute later, the game was still tied. BYU had a chance to take a lead with 1:18 remaining when Fousseyni Traore had a great look in the paint. Traore missed and Houston grabbed the rebound.
Down 69-68, BYU sharpshooter Trevin Knell had a wide open three to take the lead with 0:45 remaining, perhaps the best look of the night. Knell's shot hit the back of the iron and Houston grabbed the rebound.
With 0:28 seconds remaining, BYU trailed 71-68 following two free throws by Houston. This time it was Richie Saunders who had a great look. Saunders, who Dallin Hall found in the corner, missed an open look and BYU went on to lose 75-68.
Through six games in conference play, BYU is 2-4. Competitiveness has not been the issue. Far from it, in fact. BYU has had a chance to win all six games, but the Cougars have failed to win four out of five close games. It's become very apparent that a closer needs to emerge for this BYU basketball team. BYU is lacking one guy that can consistently go out and get tough buckets in critical moments. That has to change if BYU wants to win these close games in the Big 12.
Against Cincinnati, BYU held a 51-47 lead over the Bearcats with 12 minutes remaining. Over the next nine minutes, BYU scored only two points and Cincinnati pulled away to take a 63-53 lead. The Cougars desperately needed a bucket, but they couldn't buy a bucket.
Against Baylor, BYU had a nine-point lead in the second half. Baylor went on a run and took the lead, but it was a close game with five minutes remaining. The Cougars trailed the Bears 63-65 with 5:23 remaining. After that point in the game, Baylor went on a run to win the game 72-81.
Even in the lone win against UCF, BYU held a 57-44 lead with 7:17 remaining. BYU scored only two points over the next six minutes, allowing UCF back in the game. The Knights cut the lead to 59-58 before a pair of Dallin Hall free throws created some separation with less than a minute to go, and BYU held on to win.
Against Texas Tech, BYU's 16-point lead evaporated in the second half. More than anything, BYU needed a stop in this game, but multiple scoring droughts didn't help the cause either.
BYU plays some of the best team basketball in the country. The Cougars are capable of beating teams in so many ways. However, a closer is desperately needed. If BYU can identify a closer, it could elevate them to not only the NCAA tournament, but also give them the opportunity to advance in the tournament.
Dallin Hall is a candidate to be the closer. Hall has hit multiple buzzer beaters in his career and he is the facilitator for the BYU offense. It was Hall that helped BYU get open looks down the stretch against Houston. If Hall could more consistently score down the stretch, it would open even more passing lanes and allow him to hit open shooters.
Jaxson Robinson is another candidate to be the closer. Robinson, however, hasn't returned to form since his ankle injury. Against Houston, Robinson's ill-advised shot selected really hurt BYU in the second half. Robinson will need to improve his shot selection before he can become the true closer that BYU needs.
Spencer Johnson is another candidate, although Johnson has been quiet in the closing minutes of these games so far. Trevin Knell will always be a top option, but Knell is much better as a catch-and-shoot player than someone who is creating shots for himself.
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