How BYU played a near-perfect second half against Colorado

After losing four of the last five, and coming off the heels of a heartbreaking finish to their rivals, the BYU Cougars needed a win. Bad.

To start the game against Colorado on Tuesday night, the Cougars were visibly upset, picking up 12 fouls (two of which were technicals). They fell down by 10 points against the Buffs, but found their spark before halftime, going on a 39-6 run that ended seven minutes into the second half.

The Cougars were playing perfect basketball, and had some fun along the way, picking up a much-needed 83-67 win.

The shooting numbers for the Cougars in the second half were eye-opening. In their four conference losses, the Cougars are shooting 29.7% from deep. In the second half of Tuesday's victory, BYU shot 50%, going 6 of 12 from beyond the arc.

BYU also shot a staggering 67.9% from the field, 19 of 28 in total.

At one point, Trevin Knell — who was visibly frustrated and picked up a technical foul early on in the game — was 3 for 3 from deep in the second half. Any anger that he had in the first 20 minutes was gone in the last 20 minutes.

BYU's leading scorer, Richie Saunders, was perfect from the field in the second half, going 5 for 5 with 11 points. He finished with 25 points, five rebounds, one block and one steal.

This is now Saunders' third game with at least 25 points in Big 12 play. He is making a very strong case for All-Big 12 honors at the end of the season.

Freshman sensation Egor Demin's ball movement in the second half was a big part in BYU's offensive efficiency.

The Russian NBA prospect dished out seven assists and went 2 for 2 from the field. This was Demin's best game by far since Big 12 play started.

But the offense wasn't the only thing that clicked for the Cougars in the second half. Their defense was active and smothered any chances that the Buffs thought they had.

BYU forced eight turnovers out of Colorado, and were very disruptive, tipping balls left and right. Demin managed to get a block and two steals in the half, showing why his length could be a huge tool for any team that drafts him in July.

BYU led by as many as 23 before coming back down to Earth.

This performance was a vital for a team that desperately needed to show signs of life.