BYU Basketball Wins Thriller Over St Mary’s

WHAT. A. GAME.

TJ Haws hit a go ahead three pointer with 8 seconds to lead BYU to a 81-79 win over St Mary’s in Provo. The Gaels had two looks at the end, but Jordan Ford’s runner was off and Zach Seljaas blocked the ensuing put back attempt just before the buzzer.

BYU led for most of the first half, but St Mary’s controlled the second half until BYU ended the game on a 6-0 run. St Mary’s forward Malik Fitts was unstoppable for much of the game, finishing with 29 points on 11-15 shooting. BYU forced Fitts into foul trouble and the senior forward fouled out with just under 5 minutes to go in the game.

TJ Haws led BYU with 23 points and Yoeli Childs added 19. Jake Toolson struggled with only 8 points, and it appeared he suffered a major ankle injury in the first half. After getting helped off the floor, he returned later in the half and played his normal minutes.

Connor Harding finished with only 5 points, but his defense on Malik Fitts and Jordan Ford in the second half was huge. Harding contained Fitts when he switched onto him and held Ford in check after Fitts fouled out.

Overall, this win was sorely needed for BYU’s tournament hopes. BYU’s KenPom and NET rankings are both in good shape, but BYU needed an extra quality win on the resume.

BYU next travels to the Pacific Northwest to take on Portland Thursday night.