:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44288232/usa-today-7723134.0.jpg)
A slow start for the BYU Cougars allowed the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors to jump out to an early lead. They led 7-0 after a couple of minutes of play. The Warriors used their physicality and took advantage of loose officiating to push around BYU for most of the first half. BYU took advantage of the fast break after a called timeout by Coach Rose to pull themselves back into the game. BYU then went on a run of their own to take a comfortable lead. Hawaii subsequently went on a 15-0 run that took the game to the 10-minute mark in the first half.
Kyle Collinsworth took over the game at that point and rallied the Cougars practically single handedly to retake the lead and carry it to the end of the first half.
The second half started well for the Cougars, they added to the 37-30 lead they took into the break and began to look like they might run away with the game and possibly turn it into a blowout. Anson Winder was a key player in this stretch that built up a solid double-digit lead for BYU. Sloppy play in general, and particularly a flurry of turnovers, allowed Hawaii to climb back into the game. The closest they came was four points, and then BYU pulled away for good for the 90-73 win.
Kyle Collinsworth earned his first collegiate triple double in his career with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. It was the first BYU triple double since Michael Smith in 1988. While Tyler Haws is the best player on the team, Collinsworth might be the most important player on the team. He is crucial on both ends of the court, and has shown in since Coach Rose moved him to point guard. Now that he runs the point for the Cougars his talent is much more obvious and his impact on each game is felt by all teams that BYU plays.
Nate Austin played only a handful of minutes and all at the beginning of the game. Corbin Kaufusi took most of his minutes and finished the game with 16 minutes played.
Next Game
With the trap game avoided, the Cougars will return home for a game on Wednesday, December 10th against rival Utah. The game is at 7 pm and will be on ESPNU.