BYU Keeps At-Large Hopes Alive with Huge Victory over Gonzaga

Feb 20, 2014; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars forward Eric Mika (00) grabs a rebound stares down a Gonzaga Bulldogs fan on the front row during the first half at Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

With their NCAA tournament bubble ready to pop, the BYU Cougars got a huge resume building win, knocking off Gonzaga by a score of 73-65.

Anson Winder got the start for the Cougars over Skyler Halford, and made coach Rose look smart by leading BYU with 17 points off 3-4 shooting (10-10 from the line). Eric Mika and Matt Carlino came off the bench and combined for 18 points, and Tyler Haws chipped in 12 as well for BYU.

Mika’s eight rebounds were a team-high for the Cougars, and Matt Carlino led BYU in assists with 6.

Sam Dower and Kevin Pangos were the only Zags to record double-figures, scoring 14 and 13 points respectively. The Bulldogs got an unexpected first half performance from freshman center Ryan Edwards, who scored 5 points and snagged 5 rebounds. Dower led the Zags on the glass with 8 rebounds and Dranginis’ 5 assists were a team-high.

Player of the Game

Matt Carlino

Carlino came off the bench, hit some shots at the most opportune times and nailed some clutch free throws down the stretch. He finished the game with 15 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists while coming off the bench.

Moving Forward

With the loss, Gonzaga falls to 23-5 (13-2 in the conference). The possibility of the Bulldogs missing the NCAA tournament is creeping into the minds of the Bulldogs.

BYU on the other hand, improves to 19-10 (11-5 in conference), and improves their status on the bubble. With a quality victory added on to their NCAA tournament resume, the Cougars are sitting a little prettier as of now.