The men’s basketball team will travel to play the San Diego Toreros for the second time this season at the Jenny Craig Pavilion.
In their previous meeting, the Cougars dominated the Toreros in the Marriott Center in a 74–57 victory and leads the series 6–0.
BYU will go into Thursday night’s game with a 18–6 overall record and a 8–2 record in the WCC while USD stands on a 12–12 overall record and a 5–4 record in conference play.
“We had a good week,” BYU head coach Dave Rose said. “I think our guys are in pretty good spirits from a great week last week.”
Matt Carlino was named the WCC Player of the Week, making it the fourth time BYU has had a player honored. In last week’s games, against Pepperdine and Santa Clara, Carlino averaged 20 points, five assists and 2.5 steals per game.
Carlino has been averaging 17.1 points and 5.2 assists since conference play has begun and continues to show his role as a floor general.
“I think he’s become a lot more comfortable in taking opportunities that are provided for him instead of trying to force things,” Rose said. “Last couple weeks he’s been terrific. His decision-making has been good and he’s been shooting the ball well.”
Playing an up-tempo style has been in the Cougars’ favor. Tyler Haws, who scored 25 points against the Toreros, hopes to continue playing at a fast-pace to get another win in San Diego.
“We need to play at our pace,” Haws said. “Play at the speed that makes us really good.”
Brandon Davies averaged a double-double in the past three wins for the Cougars despite playing with stitches above his right eye. A couple BYU players were banged up last week, but Coach Rose said they are feeling better.
The Toreros are coming off an exciting overtime win against Loyola Marymount after losing four straight.
“They’re just a tough team,” Carlino said. “Their will to win is high right now.”
The game will tip off on Thursday at 7 p.m. PST and will be broadcast live on BYUtv.
