WCC Power Rankings, February 4th
By Josh Horton
2. BYU
Last Week: 4 (Up 2 spots)
Record: 16-5 (6-2)
RPI: 45
KenPom: 50
Place in Conference Standings: 2
By Andrew Perkins
Home sweet home. The Cougars went 2-0 in the Marriott Center this week to improve their home record to 10-1. To note, both of this week’s wins came in convincing fashion. BYU controlled Pacific throughout the game, taking a 20 point lead late into the second half before a late flurry by the Tigers produced the more respectable 88-78 result. The Cougars were also able to get the metaphorical monkey off their back against Saint Mary’s on Saturday. The win marked BYU’s first triumph over the Gaels since joining the WCC. Also, it marked the first time this season that BYU has overcome such a large deficit. After trailing by 14 early on, the Cougars rallied to get within 1 point at halftime. The Cougars took over the second half, eventually coasting to an 84-71 victory.
Two encouraging points for the Cougars moving forward:
Tyler Haws has kicked his game up another notch as of late. He’s finding ways to get open and he’s getting the ball. If he’s not getting the ball, he’s fighting his way through contact and getting calls. Last year, he got bottled up by physical defenders. This season, with the benefit of the new rules and an added measure of creativity and effort, Haws is getting his looks. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that he’s drastically elevated his 3-point shooting this season.
Matt Carlino has found a sense of restraint and discipline since his move to the bench. He’s always had a smooth jumper and great court vision, but he’s also shown a tendency to attempt the high risk high-reward play. Since his benching, however, he’s displayed an added measure of discretion. In the past 9 games, he’s recorded 42 assists to only 9 turnovers. Before that, he totaled 68 assists to 44 turnovers in 15 games. He’s got that same Matt Carlino confidence, but he’s just toned down the flashy, gunslinger mentality. The hair-raising, head-scratching plays have been minimized and it’s downright encouraging for Cougar fans.