New Mexico Lobos @ BYU Cougars Basketball Recap

New Mexico 82, BYU 64

What a 30-hour sequence it has been for the Brigham Young University basketball squad. Fresh off its dominating double-digit road victory over fourth-ranked San Diego State on Saturday, the Cougars rose to number three in the latest rankings released Monday morning. Compound the fact that many top-tier teams have been upset recently and it a consensus was mounting that BYU deserved a number 1 seed. Then, Monday evening, news broke that starting center Brandon Davies was going to miss the rest of the season in lieu of a violation of the school’s honor code. With the pain still numbingly fresh, the New Mexico Lobos continued the nightmarish day and a half by dominating the Cougars on their home floor.

BYU, seemingly pressing from the opening tip, never could get on track in front a sold-out Marriott Center in Provo, Utah. The Lobos were unwelcome guests who refused to give the emotionally drained Cougars any quarter. New Mexico came out blazing from the opening tip and its scorched-earth policy continued from beginning to end. Head coach Steve Alford’s club hit six of its first seven shots and lead from start to finish. With BYU having nearly zero touches in the post and relying solely on the outside shot, New Mexico had its way with the Cougars. Four Lobos scored in double figures as New Mexico won its fourth straight against the Cougars.

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Jimmer Fredette had 26 points but shot just 10-of-26 from the field including 1-of-9 beyond the arc. Fredette made all 12 of his free throws but most of those came after the Cougars had already dug themselves a tremendous hole. The Lobo defense on Fredette was tremendous, keeping Fredette from drawing foul calls on his drives to the basket. Without the presence of Davies the Cougars looked lost offensively. BYU shot just 33 percent on the evening, including 5-of-26 beyond the arc. Coming into the matchup, the Cougars were one of the better scoring and shooting basketball teams in the country. They looked anything but on Wednesday night. Now the Cougars must beat Wyoming on Saturday in Provo to assure themselves the number 1 seed in the MWC Tournament and a co-Mountain West title.

Credit New Mexico guard Dairese Gary and his ability to get the Lobo offense rolling. Gary, the ever-distributing senior point guard, took a more active role getting into the lane. He was rewarded with 14 free-throw attempts, of which he was true on 11. The dribble penetration really opened up the court for Philip McDonald, who hit five three-pointers and finished with 26 points. Drew Gordon dominated the interior with 16 rebounds. The Lobos outworked the Cougars on the glass to a tune of 36-25.

The nightmare chapter of BYU’s season continues to be the talk of the college basketball world. While analysts and fans argue over whether BYU will be able to gain its mojo back after such a stunning suspension, the New Mexico Lobos simply went to work on Wednesday in Provo. Knowing they must play their way into the NCAA Tournament, New Mexico showed great fortitude by rising to the challenge placed before it and securing an important victory. That’s a code worth honoring.

By: Zach Bloxham
DFN Sports Staff Writer