BYU basketball: cougars overcome ‘frustration’ to win

Unlike Wednesday’s season opener, the 3 points didn’t fall on a record clip for BYU Thanksgiving Night at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah.

Meanwhile, there were a lot of other things that bothered the Cougars, including New Orleans’ quick and aggressive style and a game that saw disjointed pace and a total of 51 personal fouls called.

It was a struggle for the Cougars to get into any rhythm.

“Super frustrating. This basketball game can be so frustrating, ”said coach Mark Pope. “It was difficult to get into the course of the match because of the whistle. It was just a mountain of frustration. I told the guys at the end of the eight minute media window that a lot of times what you are competing against is actually frustration. I think the guys did a really good job running it.

BYU relied on its size advantage against the privateers, controlling the paint. And in the end, the Cougars (2-0) won a slightly ugly 86-61 victory.

“That’s what you see with a lot of young teams coming up against pressure,” said Pope, whose team made 18 turnovers. “We’re going to learn a lot. We are really fortunate to be playing two completely opposite opponents these last two nights. Just getting the different looks will be huge for our growth. This is what we have to do. Obviously, we are not close to the team that we need or are going to be. But you can see the elements of what could turn out to be a really, really special team.

Guard Alex Barcello scored 19 points, the game-high, while center Richard Harward came off the bench and posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, including seven offensive boards.

As a team, BYU topped New Orleans 54-28 and collected 26 second chance points.

“We managed to miss a lot of shots today,” Pope said. “The offensive glass has to become an important part of this team. It’s really important to us.

For the second night in a row, BYU played without the transfer of 7-foot-3 Matt Haarms, who was wearing a boot on his foot due to an ankle injury.

Then at the end of the first half, forward Gavin Baxter injured his knee and did not return to the game.

Haarms wore a boot on his foot due to a nagging ankle injury and was sidelined.

“I’m really grateful that we were able to survive these two games without him,” Pope said. “I would like to have him practice rehearsals before playing.”

Baxter, who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury, fell defending in the paint, grabbing his knee.

“It’s always hard to watch a teammate fall,” said guard Connor Harding. “It broke my heart. As a team, we need to step up. Hope he is doing well.

The Pope said Baxter will undergo an MRI.

“We are really hopeful and praying that this will be something that can be picked up quickly,” Pope said of Baxter.

Speaking of frustration, the Cougars didn’t have as many looks on Thursday as they had the night before against Westminster. After downing 18 3-pointers in Game 1 of the season, BYU shot 10 of 27 3-pointers against New Orleans. From the free throw line, the Cougars have hit just 8 of 21.

The Cougars enjoyed a balanced output, with Kolby Lee and Connor Harding contributing 12 points each, Brandon Averette adding 11, Trevin Knell in 8 and Caleb Lohner in 6 6.

Lohner, who started in the second half in place of Baxter, also had nine rebounds.

“I thought he did an amazing job on the glass,” Pope said of Lohner. “He was really solid defensively. I trust him. I am delighted that he continues to grow.

As a team, BYU grabbed many rebounds and suffered many setbacks that helped them move away from New Orleans.

“I feel like we did pretty solid. Everyone got a board. I know Caleb is an absolute freak, ”Harvard said. “I’m so excited to have this guy on the team, to see how he’s able to contribute immediately. Kolby was getting rebounds. I feel like we’re such a threat when it comes to offensive boards and defensive boards because we have so many guys with the athleticism and the ability to go for the rebound.

BYU will host the University of Utah Valley on Saturday (7:00 p.m., MST, BYUtv).