BYU beats Santa Clara, scores first RPI Top 100 win

BYU secured its first RPI Top 100 win of the season with a 82-64 victory over WCC foe Santa Clara on Saturday afternoon at the Leavey Center. The Cougars used a magnificent 18-0 run in the second half to turn what was a close game into a blowout.

Tyler Haws was again doing Tyler Haws things as the sophomore finished with 24 points on a ridiculous 10-of-14 shooting night.

It was a back-and-forth affair for much of the first half with both teams shooting the ball well from the field. BYU was aided by tremendous performances from both Haws and Brock Zylstra. Brandon Davies struggled with just two first half points, yet BYU took a nine-point lead into the break.

Kevin Foster, the terrific Santa Clara senior, scored 10 points in the first 4:20 of the second half to bring the Broncos back within three points. The Broncos tied the game at 50 only to see the Cougars respond with the aforementioned 18-0 run. Anson Winder was key in the run as his effort on both sides of the floor sparked BYU's play. Winder finished with 10 points, four rebounds, a number of hustle and transition plays that were a boon to BYU's success.

Santa Clara cut the lead to 13 and Foster had a good look to cut the lead to 10 but was unable to capitalize and it was the last gasp for the Broncos. BYU extended the lead and coasted the rest of the way. BYU won its six straight contest and moved to 4-0 in West Coast Conference play. Santa Clara, which was 12-2 just over a week ago, has now lost three straight WCC games.

The Broncos were led by Foster who finished with 22 points. Marc Trasolini and Raymond Cowels III also finished in double figures, with 17 and 14 points respectively. Zylstra scored 15 points in the first three-fourths of the game before bowing to foul trouble.

BYU fans were out-in-force at the Leavey Center as the "B-Y-U" chant could be heard on both the television and radio broadcasts.

Up next for the Cougars: Wednesday night vs. Saint Mary's, broadcast on ESPNU.