Denis Poroy - AP

UNLV's Matt Shaw, right, realizes his scroll tattoo isn't nearly as cool Mike Loyd's Rayhawk. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

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Fredette tops 40 again as BYU advances - BYU Athletics
Rose a finalist for Skip Prosser award - BYU Athletics

BYU must shoot better tonight than the last time they played UNLV.  In their 88-74 loss, the Cougars shot 38% overall - but the starters were a dismal 29%.  Part of that can be attributed to forcing lots of perimeter jumpers in an attempt to catch up to the Rebels' hot start.  Obviously, BYU can get away with a mediocre first half against a team like TCU, but not UNLV. 

Another note in review of the Cougars' loss to the Rebels is how Tyler Haws had a below-average performance offensively that game but may not play tonight.  From Greg Wrubell:

"Tyler Haws (eye) was visiting a local doctor this afternoon and did not participate in the team's shoot-around at Cox Pavilion. Word is the eye was still very swollen today.  Haws' status for tonight would have to be considered questionable at best; if he can't play, it's likely Mike Loyd would take Haws' place in the starting lineup."

If that's the case, here's how the starting match-ups will likely look tonight:

Fredette - Anthony Marshall
Emery - Tre'Von Willis
Loyd - Oscar Bellfield
Hartsock - Chase Stanback
Miles - Brice Massamba

You also figure Abouo's minutes will increase due to Haws' absence - which is a good thing because of 1) they way Charles has been terrific offensively over the past few weeks, and 2) Abouo's athleticism is much needed against the Rebels and a nice counter to Matt Shaw off of Lon Kruger's bench.

Kruger has substituted Marshall into his starting lineup in place of Kendall Wallace and the freshman responded last night with 13 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists against the Utes.  Just another weapon the Cougars, and likely Fredette (since Emery will probably guard Willis again), will have to account for tonight.  It should be a thriller...

GO COUGARS!!!

Tony Gutierrez - AP

6 days ago: BYU guard Tyler Haws, left rear, and guard Jimmer Fredette, right, combine to make a steal from TCU forward Nikola Cerina, of Serbia, in the first half of an NCAA basketball game, Saturday, March 6, 2010, in Fort Worth. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

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Game Preview - BYU Athletics

'Big' Question - Miles or Davies - Deseret News
BYU-New Mexico III: a sure showdown bet in Las Vegas - Deseret News
Déjà vu for Cougars in round one of MWC tournament - KSL
Gods willing, conference tournament belongs to BYU, UNM - SLTribune
Miles still starter, but Davies gaining ground - SLTribune
NCAA seed on line at MWC Tournament - Daily Universe

GO COUGARS!!!

Patrick Smith - AP

about 1 month ago: BYU guard Jimmer Fredette (32) pulls up for a 3-point shot against TCU during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010, in Provo, utah. (AP Photo/Daily Herald, Patrick Smith)

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Game Preview - BYU Athletics

GO COUGARS!!!

Kenny Crookston - AP

Go get 'em..."@$$ hole." (AP Photo/Kenny Crookston)

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Game Preview - BYU Athletics

Cougars still have much at stake - Salt Lake Tribune
Fredette's status up in the air - Deseret News
Utes focused on slowing down Fredette - Deseret News
Ute guard seeks out the spotlight - Salt Lake Tribune

Let's bounce back fellas...GO COUGARS!!!

Ute stats after the jump...

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Laura Rauch - AP

"From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remembered - We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; he to-day that sheds his blood with me, Shall be my brother..."

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GO COUGARS!!!

More Lobo stats after the jump...

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Lenny Ignelzi - AP

about 1 month ago: San Diego State's Kawhi Leonard and BYU's Tyler Haws get tangled while battling for a rebound during the first half of a NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010 in San Diego, Calif. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

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Game Preview - BYU Athletics

Cougars expect huge crowds - Daily Herald
Cougars facing huge week - Deseret News
Cougars prepare for huge week - Salt Lake Tribune
Emery vs. Foster for MWC Defensive POY - KSL
MWC now a contender - The Sporting News

GO COUGARS!!!

Aztec stats after the jump...

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George Frey - AP

about 1 month ago: Wyoming's Amath M'Baye, left, drives past BYU's Jonathan Tavernari, center, and Chris Miles during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Provo, Utah, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010. (AP Photo/George Frey)

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GO COUGARS!!!

George Frey - AP

about 1 month ago: Colorado State's Greg Smith, left drives to the basket past BYU's Noah Hartsock during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Provo, Utah, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010. (AP Photo/George Frey)

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Game Preview - BYU Athletics

Bench play could be critical... - Deseret News
Cougars enjoy sharing the ball - Deseret News
Cougars, Lobos keeping an eye on each other - Daily Herald
Cougars to battle Rams in Colorado - Daily Universe
CSU coach hopes Rams can give Cougars a game - Daily Herald
Emery is perfecting the art of basketball thievery - Deseret News
Search for a high seed reaches critical stage - Salt Lake Tribune
Rams aim for revenge against Cougars - Ft. Collins Coloradoan

GO COUGARS!!!

Rams' stats after the jump...

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Laura Rauch - AP

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Game Preview - BYU Athletics

Cougars anxious to keep pace ... - Daily Universe
Cougars getting back to basics - Deseret News
Cougars trying not to fret over standings - Salt Lake Tribune
Surgery a success for Morgan Jr. - Salt Lake Tribune

GO COUGARS!!!

Falcons' stats after the jump...

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George Frey - AP

2 months ago: BYU's Jonathan Tavernari, left and Tyler Haws, right, fight for the ball with UNLV's Tre'Von Willis during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Provo, Utah, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010. BYU beat UNLV 77-73. (AP Photo/George Frey)

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GAME PREVIEW - BYU Athletics

A lot on the line for Cougs in Vegas showdown - Daily Universe
BYU Basketball on track to have ‘the best season' - Daily Universe
Davies out as Cougars get ready for UNLV - ABC 4
Davies out for up to two weeks - Salt Lake Tribune

Fredette snubbed from finalists for Cousy Award - ESPN

GO COUGARS!!!

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