BYU Reaches Triple Digits in Win over Southern Virginia
By James Pigott
Mar 20, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Tyler Haws (3) passes the ball around Oregon Ducks forward Richard Amardi (13) during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jake Toolson scored 15 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and went 5/8 from three point range, his last coming right before the buzzer, to lead BYU to a 101-48 victory over Southern Virginia. No BYU player other than Toolson played more than 17 minutes in the rout, but six other Cougars managed to reach double figures. Tyler Haws struggled shooting on his way to 13 points, and Chase Fischer had 10 points despite going 0/4 from beyond the arc. Luke Worthington showed the ability to run the floor in transition and some solid post moves on his way to 12 points. Dalton Nixon and Isaac Neilson scored 10 and 13 points respectively, while Neilson added 7 rebounds. Anson Winder also added 10 points and some really strong defense as usual.
BYU was playing shorthanded without Kyle Collinsworth, who sat out on the second night of the back to back for rest while recovering from his ACL injury. Skyler Halford started in his place but played only 2 minutes after sustaining an injured hip pointer.
Preston Eaton, whose sister Lexi plays women’s basketball at BYU, led SVU with 11 points on just 2/11 shooting. No other Knights played had more than 7 points, and guard Kevin Walker managed to reach double figures in turnovers.
Stat of the Night
Outside of Toolson, BYU shot 0/13 from beyond the arc. Given that Toolson likely won’t be playing much (or at all) against San Diego State, other guys (most notably Chase Fischer) will have to step up and make shots or the Cougars will have a miserable time trying to score against the insanely long and athletic Aztec defense.
Moving Forward
Off to Maui they go! The Cougars face San Diego State in the first round of the Maui Invitational Tournament on Monday at 9:30 PM MT. The game versus the Aztecs is crucial because they do not want to lose and then likely face Chaminade next, which really hurts their strength of schedule. (Just ask Gonzaga from last year.)