BYU Women's Basketball Poised for Bright Future After WBIT Championship Loss

Despite season-ending defeat, Cougars demonstrate resilience and growth under Coach Lee Cummard

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angle view of a women's basketball game, capturing the sport's dynamic energy and the Cougars' determination.BYU's women's basketball team showcases its resilience and potential for growth, despite a tough championship loss.Provo Today

BYU's women's basketball team, led by head coach Lee Cummard, had a promising season despite a loss to Columbia in the WBIT championship game. The Cougars showed remarkable resilience, cutting a 27-point fourth quarter deficit to just 9 points in the final minute. While the experienced Lions prevailed, BYU's young squad demonstrated the ability to bounce back from setbacks, a trait that could be key to the program's future success.

Why it matters

BYU's performance this season, including wins in the Big 12 tournament and WBIT, has provided invaluable experience for the team's core of underclassmen players. This experience will be crucial in preparing the Cougars for the intensity of the NCAA Tournament, where they hope to build a sustainable winning culture grounded in both talent and character.

The details

Despite trailing by 27 points in the fourth quarter, the Cougars refused to yield, cutting the deficit to just 9 points in the final minute. This comeback effort was a microcosm of the team's season, where they consistently rose to the challenge after setbacks. However, the Cougars' success also highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in physical toughness, which Coach Cummard emphasized as a key focus for the team moving forward.

  • BYU's women's basketball team lost to Columbia in the WBIT championship game in 2026.
  • The Cougars won games in the Big 12 tournament and WBIT earlier in the 2025-26 season.

The players

Lee Cummard

The head coach of the BYU women's basketball team, who has instilled a philosophy of building from within and adding a few pieces to a cohesive unit.

Columbia Lions

The experienced and physically tough team that defeated BYU in the WBIT championship game, showcasing the Cougars' need to improve their physical prowess.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must become more physically tough, like Columbia's veterans. Their mindset, from their first-to-the-ball urgency to their screening and cutting, was a stark contrast to our approach.”

— Lee Cummard, Head Coach, BYU Women's Basketball

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

BYU's women's basketball team has taken significant strides this year, and their future looks bright. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in physical toughness, the team's mental fortitude and core of talented underclassmen provide a solid foundation. With the right adjustments and continued growth, the Cougars could be on the cusp of a remarkable run, one that could see them competing for national championships in the years to come.