Hot shooting propels BYU to blowout victory over Rice

BYU came out hot and never looked back in a big offensive night for the Cougars as they beat Rice, 105-78.

Yoeli Childs led BYU with a season-high 28 points and added 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks on the night. Jahshire Hardnett scored 20 points and TJ Haws poured in 18 points and a team high 8 assists.

BYU’s offense had their best performance of the young season. The Cougars shot 56 from the field, 36% from three and 85% from the foul line. Haws are Hardnett led BYU from deep with three three-pointers each.

BYU’s defense had some struggles in the first half — giving up 43 points to the Owls and allowing to shoot from over 50% — but the defense clamped down in the 2nd half to hold Rice to 35 points.

BYU (5-1) now turns its attention to Houston, a team that came within a buzzer beater of advancing to the Sweet 16 last season. Houston is 3-0 on the season and is currently ranked 40 in KenPom.

BYU-Houston tipoff 4pm MST Saturday on BYUtv.