At this stage of the college basketball season, the teams solidify their true identity as they move into the important month of March.
Some figures reveal a lot about this BYU basketball team.
In a 88-71 victory at Loyola Marymount on Saturday afternoon at the Gersten Pavilion in Los Angeles, which is a margin that does not accurately reflect Cougars dominance, BYU won its third consecutive road game. The total margin of victory in these three matches was 90, an average of 30 points per dispute.
Saturday’s game was never closed and BYU led by up to 32 points (75-43) in the second half, before a 15-0 LMU race made the final score look closer than in the Cougars’ last road game. . the station.
“We should have won 30 tonight. No doubt in my mind, ”said veteran Matt Haarms. “We should have maintained that leadership. We have all the tools available. We accelerated and made many fouls. We have things to work on. ”
Leaving this aside, the cougars once again showed their vast depth. Saturday marked the sixth straight game that featured a different scorer. At LMU, it was Haarms’ turn. The 2.13m tall Dutchman finished with 21 points, two rebounds, three assists and five blocks.
Depth has been the key for BYU as it tries to win its first NCAA tournament seat since 2015.
“So many guys making significant contributions,” said coach Mark Pope. “The guys are being patient with the process and believing that what we can do together is really special. It is much more special than any of our guys can do individually. … The incredible depth of reward they are getting for sacrificing themselves for their team, they are being paid individually 100 times. … This is at the heart of who we are. “
BYU (17-5, 8-3) jumped the Lions with an advantage of 13-2 and 28-11 at the start, and won the streak of four consecutive LMU victories.
Yes, it was another team effort for the cougars.
“At this point, everyone really accepted what they do best in this team. The guys are not trying to figure out where they fit into this team, ”said Haarms. “Everyone really knows where they fit in and what they do best and what is expected of them from the coaching staff. This is very important for a team. We really know what we’re good at. All of our players know their defined roles. I was on a team where he was a guy and everyone was supporting him. I feel that this team, every night, can be a different player. “
In addition to the Haarms, BYU had a strong performance from Caleb Lohner, who followed his best 19-point effort last Thursday in the Pacific with 18 points, seven rebounds and two assists before dropping out.
“He’s doing a great job. I am very proud of him. He’s a guy I tried to mentor throughout the year, ”said Haarms of Lohner. “There are things starting today that he can improve. He failed today and we can’t have that in the tournament if we end up doing the NCAA Tournament. He played a great game, but there are always lessons he can learn from. He’s already a dominant player now. I can’t wait to see where he’ll be in two or three years. “
Alex Barcello scored 15 points with five rebounds and three assists. Brandon Averette added 14 points, five assists and a pair of 3 points.
Spencer Johnson and Trevin Knell left the bank to contribute eight points, and two of 3 points each.
BYU hit 55% of the game, including 59% in the second half.
“It’s a team,” said Pope. “Richard Harward is like, ‘I don’t know how anyone is watching us.’ Of course we have to improve a lot, but now, at this point in the season, I am very proud of this group. … These guys are working hard and it’s a lot of fun. “
LMU (11-7, 6-4) was led by Ivan Alipiev, who scored 22 points out of 8 out of 9 pitches, including 4 out of 4 in the 3 point range.
Lions scorer Eli Scott scored 17 points, shy of the season average. Keli Leaupepe finished with 15.
BYU dominated the LMU from the start and then did what it did in its last three road games.
“Getting that dominant leadership in the beginning is very good,” said Haarms. “Our guys did a good job coming here with energy right away. Everyone was ready to go. “
More important numbers for BYU: After Saturday’s victory, BYU moved up nine positions in KenPom to No. 18, and the Cougars are ranked in the top 25 nationally in offensive and defensive efficiency.
This team “has a very high ceiling,” said Pope. “We haven’t covered that yet.”
BYU hosts San Francisco next Thursday.