BYU Cougars @ Buffalo Bulls Basketball Recap

Brigham Young 90, Buffalo 82

Thankfully for the visitors from Provo, Utah, an All-American may only need a single half of good basketball to lead to his team to victory. 

BYU guard Jimmer Fredette shook off a paltry first half, when he shot 1-of-9 from the field, and took over the second half to help the nationally-ranked Cougars escape a solid performance from the Bulls of Buffalo.  Fredette hit on 10 of his 15 second-half shot attempts, scoring 28 points as BYU ran its winning streak to three games.

The Bulls, who average 1,700 fans per contest at Alumni Arena, had a season-high 5,803 in attendance to see a great college basketball matchup.  Buffalo head coach Reggie Weatherspoon had to be happy with the performance of his outclassed Bulls.  All five Buffalo starters scored in double figures, led by Michael Watt who poured in 17.

BYU hoped out to an early double-digit lead in the first half despite Fredette's struggles.  Forward Noah Hartsock had 11 points to keep the Cougars afloat, as BYU traveled to the Empire State for the second time in the month of December.  The Cougars played and won a game against Vermont in Glen Falls, N.Y., Fredette's hometown, earlier in the month.

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It was an exciting contest on Thursday night as the underdog Bulls answered every challenge presented by the Cougars.  With BYU holding a tremendous advantage at the free-throw line, Buffalo answered by shooting 56 percent from the field and using a balanced offensive game plan.

Dave Rose's Cougars also had a big game from Brandon Davies.  The sophomore forward, who consistently battles foul problems, was able to stay on the floor and took advantage of the opportunity.  Davies had 18 points to go along with 6 rebounds.

Time and time again, the Cougars would extend the lead to double-digits and the momentum would seem to call for an extension of that lead.  But the Bulls never allowed the game to get out of hand.  Buffalo responded to each and every BYU run and played inspired basketball throughout the duration of the evening.

When all was said and done, the night belonged to Fredette, who enjoyed a second homecoming by scoring a season-high 34 points.  Fredette came into the evening averaging 24 points per contest. The All-American was worth the price of admission during the second half of play.  With the Cougars preparing for what will be a difficult Mountain West slate, the folks in Provo will be looking for more of these kinds of performance from Mr. Fredette.

By: Zach Bloxham
DFN Sports Staff Writer