In a commanding display of skill and teamwork, No. 17 Brigham Young University (BYU) soared to victory against Bellarmine with a final score of 101-59 on Friday night. The Cougars, now standing at an impressive 11-1 record, showcased their strength as a team, with six players scoring in double figures and an outstanding 58% shooting accuracy from the field.
Noah Waterman led the charge with 15 points, closely followed by Trevin Knell, who contributed 14 points to the victory. BYU's head coach, Mark Pope, commended the team's selflessness, noting that the players displayed no hesitation in making plays for each other, resulting in 30 assists on 40 baskets.
Spencer Johnson, a standout performer for BYU, demonstrated his versatility with 14 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Johnson also played a key role in the Cougars' impressive 3-point shooting, contributing to 16 successful attempts from beyond the arc.
Despite the absence of Jaxon Robinson due to an ankle sprain and the ongoing injury to starting forward Fousseyni Traore, BYU exhibited remarkable depth and resilience. Coach Pope highlighted the team's ability to overcome challenges, emphasizing that the roster has not been at full strength yet the players have delivered an impressive two-month run.
Bellarmine initially showed promise with a solid start, but BYU quickly gained control, embarking on a 21-5 run to establish a 29-15 lead. The Knights struggled with turnovers, committing 13 throughout the game, leading to 28 points for the Cougars. BYU capitalized on these mistakes, outscoring Bellarmine 26-3 in fast-break points.
BYU's ability to adapt and execute on both ends of the court was evident in the 42-28 halftime lead. The Cougars effectively nullified Bellarmine's attempts to stay competitive, demonstrating discipline and strategic play.
Dawson Baker, who contributed 10 points to the victory, acknowledged the challenge posed by Bellarmine's well-programmed and coached team. He emphasized the importance of discipline on their end to match their opponent's efforts.
Looking ahead, Bellarmine is scheduled to face High Point on December 30, while BYU will host Wyoming on the same day. Despite the challenges, BYU remains a force to be reckoned with in college basketball, showcasing their resilience, depth, and impressive teamwork throughout the season.
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