URGENT UPDATE: BYU starting center Keba Keita has been ruled out for the remainder of the game against UConn following a serious injury sustained in the first half. The incident occurred with 8:51 left in the first half as Keita collided with Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. while pursuing a loose ball, suffering a hard hit to his head and shoulder area.
A school spokesman confirmed that Keita required assistance to leave the court and was subsequently taken to the locker room for evaluation. This injury is a significant blow for the Cougars, as Keita has been a pivotal player in their lineup.
Since transferring from Utah in 2024, Keita has started 39 out of 40 games for BYU and is regarded as their best defensive player. He played a key role in the team’s season-opening victory over Villanova, contributing 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
Entering today’s matchup, Keita was averaging 6.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. His absence is already being felt on the court, particularly against UConn’s Tarris Reed Jr., who scored 11 points in the first half alone. The Huskies led at halftime with a score of 43-32, capitalizing on BYU’s struggle to contain their offensive plays.
This developing situation raises concerns about the Cougars’ ability to compete against one of the top teams in the nation. Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring the impact of Keita’s injury not only for the remainder of this game but also for the upcoming schedule.
As this story unfolds, the implications of Keita’s condition will be critical for BYU’s season. Stay tuned for updates on his status and the game’s outcome.
