UPDATE: BYU’s starting center Keba Keita has been ruled out for the remainder of today’s game against UConn after suffering a serious injury in the first half. The incident occurred with 8:51 remaining, when Keita collided with Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. while pursuing a loose ball.
The injury, affecting Keita’s head and shoulder area, forced him to leave the court with assistance from trainers. This development is a major blow for BYU, as Keita has been a cornerstone of their defense, having started 39 of 40 games since transferring from Utah in 2024.
Entering this game, Keita was averaging 6.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. He played a crucial role in BYU’s season-opening victory over Villanova, contributing 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
With Keita sidelined, the Cougars are struggling to contain UConn’s star player, Tarris Reed Jr., who had already scored 11 points in the first half. Reed continued to dominate, adding two more baskets early in the second half, extending UConn’s lead to 43-32 at halftime.
This developing situation places immense pressure on the remaining BYU players as they aim to recover from the loss of their top defensive asset. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds without Keita’s presence on the court.
Stay tuned for more updates as the game progresses and we learn more about Keita’s condition. This injury could have significant implications for BYU’s season moving forward.
