Senior Jennifer Hamson led the Cougars to victory with 20 points and 11 rebounds as the Cougars downed Westminster College in an exhibition Nov. 2 at the Marriott Center.
The Cougars had a hard first half but came back in the second, and Westminster could not keep up in a 72-60 victory.
“Last night was a tough game, and tonight we came out flat,” said BYU head coach Jeff Judkins. “The referees really took us out of the game the way they were calling it. Our team needs to react to when they are calling it tight and understand that.”
The first half had 26 fouls and nine ties and eight lead changes, which led to the slow start. In the second half however, fewer fouls were called and the Cougars’ defense came together, which helped them take a commanding lead.
“Jen scored it and rebounded,” Judkins said. “Her timing is so much better, and her understanding of what we’re doing is better. She doesn’t feel like she is being rushed out there. Right now she is one of the best players in the league.”
Hamson had the first 6 points of the second half and three blocks. This helped the Cougars take control of the game. The Cougars went on to shoot 61 percent from the floor in the second half and outscore the Griffins 40-10 in the paint.
Junior Morgan Bailey, the forward, also had a great afternoon, putting up 16 points and seven rebounds. Bailey led the team going into the half with 12 points.
Junior Xojian Harry scored the first six points for the Cougars in response to the 8-3 lead the Griffins took early. The first six points Harry scored then sparked the offense, which allowed the Cougars to take the lead going into the half 39-34.
The Cougars will look to continue their momentum going into their season opener against South Dakota State Friday, Nov. 8, at the Marriott Center.
