BYU's Historic Basketball tradition

Hanging from the rafters of BYU's Marriott Center are several banners
that illustrate the proud history of BYU's men's basketball team, Sweet
16 in 1951, 1957, 1965, 1971 and Elite 8 in 1950, 1951 and 1981. Let's
look at this rich history in a little more detail.

The first is the Elite 8 banner of 1950. Interesting to note thatin
1950 there were only 8 teams that played in the tournament, so by virtue
of showing up BYU earned this banner. BYU lost in the first roundto
the Baylor Bears by a score of 56-55.

In 1951 BYU claims a Sweet 16 and an Elite 8 appearance. Considering
only 16 teams were in the tournament in 1951 that Sweet 16 banner is
another banner without a win. However to reach the Elite 8 BYU did
defeat San Jose State 68-61, but lost in the Elite 8 to KSU 64-54.

In 1957 BYU trumpets a Sweet 16 banner. In 1957 there were only 23
teams in the tournament and BYU had a bye in the first round leading to
their 'Sweet 16' game, where they were trounced by the Cal Bears 86-59.
Another banner without a single victory. You can see the tradition
really taking shape now can't you?

The next 'accomplishment' for BYU was a Sweet 16 appearance in 1965. You
guessed it, it was just an appearance. There were 23 teams in the
tournament that year. The Cougars got a bye and then were crushed by
UCLA 100-76. Another loss, that's alright, throw up a Sweet 16banner!

BYU touts a Sweet 16 for 1971. In that year there were 25 teams in the
tournament. BYU actually had to play a first round game that year, in
which they defeated the Utah State Aggies, 91-82, before being stomped
by UCLA 91-73. Another year, another banner.

There you have it, 6 NCAA banner listings for 2 NCAA Tournament wins.
And 12 Banner listings from 1950-1971 counting the 'NCAA appearances'
banner. During that period their tournament record was 2 wins 6 losses.

Let's fast forward to 2008, the Cougars make another NCAA tournament
appearance and another first round exit. To keep the traditionalive,
attached below is another banner for the Cougar faithful to hang, we
wouldn't want you to not be able to boast at least a Sweet 16 banner
this year without even winning a game! We've got a solution foryou.

Some interesting facts:
· BYU holds the record for most NCAA tournament appearanceswithout
appearing in the Final 4.
· Since BYU won it's last NCAA tournament game (1992-1993) theUtes
have won 16 NCAA tournament games