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BYU’s basketball team easily handled BYU-Hawaii last night, winning 110-63. They shot a cool 52.3% from the field and held the Seasiders to just 29.9% shooting. BYU dominated the glass, out-rebounding BYU-Hawaii 67-31.
BYU’s final exhibition marked the first time Coach Rose had a fully healthy roster at his disposal, with both LJ Rose and Elijah Bryant active and ready to go. LJ Rose got the start joining Nick Emery, TJ Haws, Eric Mika and Kyle Davis.
LJ Rose impressed Cougar fans in his first game with BYU. He collected 4 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists, in just 19 minutes. He ran BYU’s offense with ease and looked the part of an experienced graduate transfer. The senior guard is very much a pass-first point guard (10 assists), he rarely looked for his own shot and kept the ball moving, often finding the open man.
Elijah Bryant’s first game action since having “minor surgery” on his knee didn’t go as smoothly. Bryant scored two points and was just 1-for-6 from the field in 12 minutes of action. He never seemed to find a rhythm and often tried to force his way to the rim despite a number of defenders in his path. It was a great sign just to see Bryant on the court though and he’ll undoubtedly look better as he gets a few more practices and games under his belt.
It was obvious from the get-go that BYU had the advantage in the post. The duo of Kyle Davis and Eric Mika took turns scoring at will against the undersized opponent. Davis finished with 16 points (7-7 FG’s); while Mika scored 15 points in just 14 minutes. Eric Mika suffered an injury scare as he was seen clutching his hand and immediately headed back to the locker room. It was reported that his pinky-finger had been dislocated, but he was fine after getting it taped and quickly returned to the bench.
The highlight of the night was provided by Yoeli Childs, not only did he collect a double-double (10 points 10 rebounds). He also provided one of the top highlights in recent Marriott Center memory. Just watch this put-back slam after Nick Emery’s miss. (The view from the floor is my favorite).
View from the floor:
In other news, TJ Haws, Nick Emery, Colby Leifson and Braiden Shaw all reached double figures bringing BYU’s double digit scorers up to seven. Leifson’s hot shooting in the second half was a welcome development after he struggled in the first exhibition game.
BYU looked impressive in their final tune-up, but it only gets harder from here on out. They take on Princeton in their regular season opener (Monday Nov. 17th). Princeton is a veteran-laden squad who is widely expected to win the Ivy league conference and could make noise in the NCAA tournament at season’s end.