By Randall Champion
For years, Wyoming has had the reputation of having the loudest, most loyal and intense fans in the conference.
After Thursday night, Cougar fans demand a recount.
Thanks to the extremely loud and loyal fans packed into the Marriott Center, the Cougars proved why they are the best home team in the conference with an intense 79-63 victory over Wyoming, Feb. 15. With the win, BYU vaulted itself into a three-way tie for first place in the conference.
Following their proven blueprint for winning at home, the Cougars sprinted out of the gates and outscored the Cowboys 22-6 in the first 11 minutes.
Playing like it had something to prove, BYU shot 55 percent from the field and connected on four of six three-point attempts in the first half. Behind Terrell Lyday”s 13 first half points, the Cougars took a 40-28 lead into the break.
But showing why they are one of the top teams in the conference, the Cowboys wouldn”t let BYU run them out of the building. Putting together a 17-7 run that was eerily similar to the last time these teams met, Wyoming cut the Cougar lead to 53-50 with 10 minutes to play.
For the next three minutes, both teams hit tough, clutch shots to keep the game close. With BYU leading 60-56, it appeared this game was going to run down to the wire and increase the blood pressure of fans on both sides.
But almost instantaneously, Marriott Magic kicked into full gear. Nathan Cooper swiped a Wyoming pass for a breakaway lay-up, and the route was on.
The Cougars proceeded on a 13-0 run and kept the Cowboys scoreless for over three minutes to break the game open.
Thanks to a frustrated Wyoming team, BYU continued its free-throw success from recent games, hitting 33 of 40, including 21 of 22 in the second half, to seal the 16-point victory.
Wyoming coach Steve McClain voiced his disappointment at his team”s inability to overcome the deficit and the excessive fouls they committed.
“We got it down to three twice and just couldn”t get over the hump,” McClain said. “That”s a credit to Steve (Cleveland) and his team. It”s hard to win when the other team shoots 40 free-throws.”
Lyday fueled BYU with his game-high 25 points, including key shots down the stretch. His four assists and four rebounds are a big reason why the Cougars won their 19th straight home game and are in the thick of the conference race.
“It feels nice to be in first-place, and we think it”s where we belong to be,” Lyday said. “We”re the team to beat now.”
Trent Whiting finished with 14 points for BYU, and Mekeli Wesley added 10 points and six rebounds. Senior Nathan Cooper also had an impressive outing, finishing with 11 points.
“This definitely was a very important game,” Cooper said. “Anytime you”re in first place, it feels good.”
Ronell Mingo had 18 points, and Paris Corner added 14 points and five rebounds off the bench for the Cowboys. Marcus Bailey, the conference”s leading scorer, was held to only nine points.
While the Cougars are excited about their big victory over Wyoming, they know their season is not over yet.
“We know that of the three teams still competing, we have the toughest schedule,” coach Steve Cleveland said. “To distinguish ourselves from the other two, we need to win on the road.”
But with one more home game to go, BYU will be looking to send the seniors out with an undefeated home season, and a chance at the conference title.
