BYU win over Portland sweetened by Haws’ record

261
212020002144
BYU fans cheer Tyler Haws after he set a new BYU career-scoring record in the Thursday, Feb. 26, win over Portland.

PORTLAND — Tyler Haws saw an opening and cut down the lane. Ryan Andrus passed the ball, Haws split two defenders and put in the layup. The shot gave Haws eight points and solidified him as the all-time scoring leader in BYU history.

Haws needed only seven points to pass Jimmer Fredette as BYU’s top career scorer.

A large crowd of BYU fans was on hand to cheer on the Cougars, making the 82-69 win feel less like a road game despite being in Portland. Fans came to see “Hawstory” and were more than satisfied. It took him only six minutes to put up eight points.

Corbin Kaufusi scored the first points of the game for the Cougars, working hard down low to get a layup. It was all Haws from there. He hit three shots in a row with his signature pull-up jumper from the free throw line, giving Haws six points in just five minutes of game time.

This explosive start left the BYU fans on the edge of their seats before Haws drove in and put in the layup to break the record with 14:39 left in the half.

Cougar fans erupted, giving Haws a standing ovation for accomplishing such a feat.

“I thought I was at a home game,” Haws said about the fans reaction. “I mean, the crowd was going crazy for a whole possession. It was pretty special.”

The Pilots seemed unconcerned with Haws’ record, playing physical and taking an early lead.

Universe photo
BYU fans pose for pictures with BYU basketball players after the win against the University of Portland, where Tyler Haws set a new BYU all-time scoring record.

Kyle Collinsworth and Anson Winder kept the Cougars within striking distance. Collinsworth contributed from the free throw line, while Winder hit a 3-pointer, putting the Cougars up 33-32 with 3:34 left in the half.

The Pilots ended the half with a 9-0 run, giving them a 33-41 lead going into the break.

The Cougars came out of the half shooting hot. Fischer hit a 3-pointer to start the scoring. BYU went on an 11-2 run, taking a 44-43 lead with 16:39 left in the second half.

The Pilots fought back and took a brief 44-46 lead.

Skyler Halford left the bench and gave the Cougars a much-needed spark. Halford scored 16 of his 20 points in the second half, 10 of which were the Cougars’ next 12 points. His shining moments included two huge 3-pointers to swing the momentum back and give the Cougars a 59-50 lead with 9:55 left in the game.

“Skyler brings so much energy in how he plays,”BYU coach Rose said. “He’s been a big shot maker and has been really efficient with his minutes.”

The Pilots continued to contend until Halford hit a 3-pointer with three minutes left on the clock. The three-point shot was the start of a 13-2 run for the Cougars, putting the game out of distance for the Pilots.

With a final score of 82-69, Cougar fans celebrated the “Hawstory” and the win.

BYU travels to Spokane, Washington, to face No. 3 Gonzaga on Saturday night.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email