BYU starts quick, beats Virginia Tech 97-71

Tyler Haws is following in the footsteps of his father Marty Haws who played for the Cougars, from 1986-1990. Who had the better career? That is yet to be determined. Who scored the most points in a game? Well, that family honor now sits with Haws the Younger, who poured in 42 points to break his Dad's family record of 40 points.

Haws was the spark plug behind BYU's (10-4) fast start at the Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City, where the Cougars jumped out to a 33-17 lead over Virginia Tech (9-4) before the first half was even 10 minutes old, and never really looked back in a 97-71 victory over the Hokies 97-71.

Haws made two three points in the game's first 65 seconds, and finished the day hitting 6 of 8 from behind the arc. He also added a couple of steals and three rebounds.

Other major contributors for the Cougars included Brandon Davies (17 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds) before he left with an ankle injury, and Josh Sharp (10 points). Nate Austin came off the bench and added 6 points and 8 rebounds before fouling out.

For the Cougars, this is their final warm-up before conference play begins on Jan. 3 in Provo against Loyola Marymount. It's also their second straight convincing victory after getting blown out against Baylor on Dec. 21.

For the Hokies, it's their second straight crushing defeat; Virginia Tech lost to Colorado State by 36 points six days ago. The nation's leading scorer, Erick Green, came into the game averaging 25.4 PPG, but only scored 12 against a Cougar D that was very effective in the zone in the first half.

Other game notes:

• Freshman PG Cory Calvert matched his season high with 16 minutes, and played meaningful time in the first half mainly at the expense of Craig Cusick. It will be interesting to see how coach Dave Rose uses Calvert in the year before he plans on going on a mission.
• Haws took 25 shots; Virginia Tech only made 24.
• Austin looked both lost and awesome, depending on the play and situation.
• Matt Carlino had 9 points and 4 rebounds, but he continues to struggle in man-to-man defense, and he is not generating shots for his teammates. Davies has played that role of late after reading what the defense does to him in the post.
• BYU's success starts at the 3-point line. They combined to hit 15 treys in the last two blowout wins. They only connected on two long-distance shots against Baylor.