Determining methods to cease BYU’s offense will probably be a season-long headache for opponents.
The No. 7 Cougars head into Tuesday’s sport towards Delaware in Provo, Utah, coming off a virtually good 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 house nonconference victory.
BYU (2-0) shot 61.9% from the sector and dedicated solely six turnovers towards the Crusaders. 5 gamers scored in double figures for the Cougars — led by Richie Saunders with 20 factors. It was the 14th straight sport Saunders has reached double figures.
After lacking quite a few layups in a season-opening win over Villanova, BYU confirmed huge enchancment towards Holy Cross, scoring 62 factors within the paint.
“One thing we did a number of work on this week was ending. This notion of paint ending and paint choices goes to be the factor that strikes the pendulum probably the most,” BYU coach Kevin Younger stated. “If we are able to work out methods to be nice rim finishers and nice paint decision-makers, we’re going to be a great offensive crew.”
The Cougars are additionally shaping as much as be a extra rugged defensive crew than a yr in the past. Their size and athleticism are proving disruptive on the perimeter.
BYU compelled 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 towards Villanova whereas additionally holding the Wildcats to 10-of-35 taking pictures from the perimeter.
“We have a number of guys that simply are good at one-on-one protection, having the ability to guard their yard,” guard Dawson Baker stated.
Delaware faces a stiff problem in making an attempt 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 house opener on Friday after falling to Bucknell 78-70 of their season opener a number of days earlier. Few issues went proper towards 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 tug away late within the second half.
Virginia switch Christian Bliss had a team-high 13 factors towards Wilmington to go together 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 making an attempt to determine who we’re and have an identification and, when the adversity hit, we did not know methods to reply,” Delaware coach Martin Ingelsby stated.
The Blue Hens will probably be short-handed towards 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 sport for the Cougars this season. Pickens plans to redshirt and return subsequent season.
That is the primary assembly between BYU and Delaware.
–Subject Stage Media
