BYU Escapes Against Rebels

by Layton on Jan 6, 2010 9:18 PM PST

A great way to start off the conference season. It wasn't a great stats performance, as BYU was outshot from the field and arc, but they pulled it together when they needed it. The win ended a three-game losing skid to UNLV, and will probably give BYU a TON of momentum heading into a really crucial stretch...

With an off Jimmer (still suffering from sickness), somebody else had to step up, and that guy was none other than JT. He scored 17 points and pulled down 9 boards, and had two really clutch 3s. Freshman phenom Tyler Haws also scored 12 points, and Jackson Emery was phenomenal on both sides late in the game.

But, the glaring question is this: how good is BYU without Jimmer? Sure they can beat lowlifes, but when they play good teams like UNLV, I'm not so sure they've got enough to win, especially on the road in conference. If nothing else, Jimmer proved just how vital he is to the Cougars' hopes in the conference tourney and beyond...

BYU/UNLV Box Score

Poll

How important is Jimmer to the Cougars' hopes in the MWC and NCAA?

He is their only hope at a truly magical season

14 votes

They could still win the MWC, but have no shot in the NCAA tourney

14 votes

He's good, but they could get into second round of tourney without him

4 votes

32 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Let's not forget Hartsock

who finished with 17 before going out with 10 minutes left.

We do need to be more consistent when Jimmer sits. We can’t shoot 37% at home and expect to get wins on the road.

by vaughnzipper on Jan 6, 2010 9:25 PM PST reply actions

Can't believe I forgot him

Huge game and a crooked nose (not a racist joke, he got a mean elbow from a UNLV forward)….

Vanquish the Foe, a BYU Cougars blog at SB Nation

by Layton on Jan 6, 2010 9:32 PM PST up reply actions

And...

kudos to Mike Lloyd. Kid played out of his mind in the final two minutes

Vanquish the Foe, a BYU Cougars blog at SB Nation

by Layton on Jan 6, 2010 9:33 PM PST up reply actions

only caught the second half

but I was very impressed with our team effort. It took me a while to realize that Jimmer wasn’t the one doing all the scoring. Great team win, and hopefully spurs us to greater heights.

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by Shums on Jan 6, 2010 9:52 PM PST reply actions

Honestly with Jimmer firing and healthy

BYU could make a deep run in the tourney. That to me would be magical. BUT, I do think that we have enough talent that, when playing well, could beat anybody in the MWC (i.e. UNLV last night) AND get us thru to the 2nd round.

by vaughnzipper on Jan 7, 2010 9:44 AM PST reply actions