Trevin Knell leads BYU as Cougars hit century mark in exhibition win over UT Tyler

BYU was sluggish at times in the first half, but the Cougars made quick work of Division 2 UT Tyler in a 100-58 exhibition win Friday night in Provo.

True Freshman Trevin Knell led all scorers with 19 points — all in the second half — to pace the Cougars. BYU went 0-4 from distance in the first half, but a 9-13 second half from deep opened things up. Trevin Knell was especially hot, finishing 5-6 from three point range.

TJ Haws was held out of due to a sickness, but newcomer Alex Barcello looked comfortable running the point in TJ’s absence. The Arizona transfer finished with 6 points and 2 steals in 16 minutes.

Other bright spots on the night include Jake Toolson, Kolby Lee and Connor Harding. Toolson, last year’s WAC player of the year at UVU, scored from all over the floor and finished with 17 points. Kolby Lee showed a nice hook shot with 13 points in 20 minutes. Yoeli Childs also played 15 minutes and finished with 8 points.

Overall, not much can be taken away from this game due to the quality of the opponent, but it was nice to see some new faces have solid games.

BYU’s lack of size of length will hurt them this season, especially without Yoeli Childs in the first nine games, but shooting will keep them in some games versus more talented teams.

One final note is on Zac Seljaas. Seljaas didn’t play tonight after breaking his foot August 20 in Italy, but Greg Wrubell reported that Seljaas will play in BYU’s season opener.

BYU opens the season Tuesday, November 5th in Provo versus Cal State Fullerton 7pm Mountain Time on BYUtv.