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The Cougars with an epic showdown at Madison Square Garden in December
Lights. Legacy. The Garden.
On December 9, BYU Basketball will step into the spotlight of Madison Square Garden to face Clemson in the storied Jimmy V Classic—a stage where legends are made, and reputations are tested. For a program on the rise, this isn’t just a game. It’s a declaration.
BYU’s Most Anticipated Season Yet
Fresh off a Sweet 16 run, the Cougars are riding a wave of momentum into the 2025–26 season. Led by returning standouts Richie Saunders and Keba Keita, BYU is pairing experience with one of the top recruiting classes in the country. Freshmen AJ Dybantsa and Xavier Staton, along with transfers Rob Wright and Kennard Davis, look to propel BYU to a Final Four. The spotlight at MSG will be one of the earliest—and brightest—tests for a squad looking to prove it belongs among college basketball’s elite.
BYU’s Keba Keita during the NCAA Tour
BYU Athletics
Clemson Offers a Major Non-Conference Test
Clemson is no stranger to March, having made an Elite Eight appearance in 2024 and earning a 5-seed in the most recent NCAA Tournament before a shocking first-round loss to McNeese. Under the leadership of Brad Brownell, now extended through 2031, the Tigers posted an 18-2 conference record last season and finished second in the ACC. This matchup will be a tone-setter for both teams with postseason aspirations.
The Garden and the Moment
It’s been nearly a decade since BYU last played at Madison Square Garden. Their return to basketball’s most iconic venue isn’t just symbolic—it’s strategic. The Jimmy V Classic, which raises funds for cancer research, offers national TV exposure, elite competition, and the kind of pressure-packed environment that mimics March. The last time BYU met Clemson? A 49-47 heartbreaker in the 1990 NCAA Tournament. It’s time for redemption.
Final Whistle:
Circle the date, Cougar fans. December 9 isn’t just another game—it’s a national showcase, a chance to prove the hype is real. Madison Square Garden will be watching. So should you.
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