Determining find out how to cease BYU’s offense might be a season-long headache for opponents.
The No. 7 Cougars head into Tuesday’s recreation in opposition to Delaware in Provo, Utah, coming off a virtually excellent offensive efficiency. They dismantled Holy Cross for 40 minutes and led wire-to-wire in a 98-53 win on Saturday, their twenty first straight dwelling nonconference victory.
BYU (2-0) shot 61.9% from the sector and dedicated solely six turnovers in opposition to the Crusaders. 5 gamers scored in double figures for the Cougars — led by Richie Saunders with 20 factors. It was the 14th straight recreation Saunders has reached double figures.
After lacking quite a few layups in a season-opening win over Villanova, BYU confirmed large enchancment in opposition to Holy Cross, scoring 62 factors within the paint.
“One thing we did plenty of work on this week was ending. This notion of paint ending and paint choices goes to be the factor that strikes the pendulum essentially the most,” BYU coach Kevin Younger mentioned. “If we will determine find out how to be nice rim finishers and nice paint decision-makers, we’re going to be an excellent offensive workforce.”
The Cougars are additionally shaping as much as be a extra rugged defensive workforce than a 12 months in the past. Their size and athleticism are proving disruptive on the perimeter.
BYU pressured 15 turnovers and held Holy Cross to 3-of-22 taking pictures from 3-point vary. This follows on the heels of forcing 11 turnovers in opposition to Villanova whereas additionally holding the Wildcats to 10-of-35 taking pictures from the perimeter.
“We have got plenty of guys that simply are good at one-on-one protection, with the ability to guard their yard,” guard Dawson Baker mentioned.
Delaware faces a stiff problem in attempting to keep away from getting mauled by the Cougars.
The Blue Hens (0-2) misplaced to Division II opponent Wilmington (Del.) 71-62 of their dwelling opener on Friday after falling to Bucknell 78-70 of their season opener just a few days earlier. Few issues went proper in opposition to the Wildcats.
Delaware completed with 16 turnovers, resulting in 19 factors for Wilmington. The Blue Hens additionally shot 3-of-24 from 3-point vary, opening the door for his or her in-state neighbors to drag away late within the second half.
Virginia switch Christian Bliss had a team-high 13 factors in opposition to Wilmington to associate with eight assists and 7 rebounds. Macon Emory additionally posted a second straight double-double, tallying 11 factors and a career-high 14 rebounds.
“We’re simply attempting to determine who we’re and have an identification and, when the adversity hit, we did not know find out how to reply,” Delaware coach Martin Ingelsby mentioned.
The Blue Hens might be short-handed in opposition to BYU. 5 gamers had been sidelined within the loss to Wilmington due to accidents.
The Cougars have additionally suffered damage attrition early within the season. UC Riverside switch Nate Pickens — introduced in to be BYU’s backup level guard — had season-ending ankle surgical procedure earlier than enjoying a recreation for the Cougars this season. Pickens plans to redshirt and return subsequent season.
That is the primary assembly between BYU and Delaware.
–Area Stage Media
