Defense carries BYU as Cougars beat LMU in WCC opener

BYU had some rough patches on offense, but defense carried the Cougars as they beat LMU 63-38 in BYU’s WCC opener.

BYU shot 43% from the field and 33% from deep, but held LMU to just 34% shooting and 21 turnovers. Yoeli Childs led the way with 19 point and 13 boards and Jake Toolson added 13 points and 4 assists to lead the way.

BYU struggled to pull away for most of the game and didn’t go ahead by double digits until under 14 minutes in the second half. BYU heated up a bit late in the game and held the Lions to only 11 points the final 16 minutes of the game.

BYU also struggled shooting last game versus Oral Roberts, but defense once again carried BYU in a subpar shooting night.

The competition picks up next game as BYU hits the road to take on Saint Mary’s Thursday night in Moraga.