Junior-transfer Kyle Davis comes down with a rebound against UVU. Davis had 17 points and 20 rebounds. (Maddi Driggs)
BYU basketball started the season strong at home in Provo with an 85-54 victory over cross-town rival UVU.
The Cougars' offense started out a little slow but quickly accelerated. BYU's defense also helped keep UVU locked down in the first half. The Wolverines scored only two points in the first 10 minutes of play.
BYU came out strong in the second half extending its lead behind huge offensive performances from Chase Fischer, Kyle Collinsworth and Kyle Davis. The Cougars’ biggest lead of the game was 32 points.
“We really prepared well for this one,” Fischer said. “All of our guys bought in and we knew what we had to do.”
Corbin Kaufusi, Fischer and Collinsworth were all back in the lineup and looked healthy coming back from pre-season injuries. Fischer and Collinsworth were among the top three leading scorers for BYU and Kaufusi was a strong presence down low. All three had significant playing time and were key contributors in BYU's victory.
BYU basketball head coach Dave Rose was impressed with the team’s performance and the overall energy in the Marriott Center.
'Just the whole atmosphere in the gym tonight was tremendous,' Coach Rose said. 'We had a great crowd.'
Kyle Collinsworth dunks on UVU. Collinsworth had 17 points and nine rebounds. (Maddie Driggs)
BYU's big men looked strong for the first time since Brandon Davies and Noah Hartsock played. Senior forward and captain Nate Austin and junior transfer Kyle Davis both had a big presence down low with Kaufusi.
Davis had an especially big game with 17 points and 20 rebounds. BYU set a Marriott Center record for rebounds as a team with 69.
“What gets me going is rebounds,” Davis said. “If I can get that going, everything in the game starts to flow for me.”
BYU's options at the post position will be something to look forward to in a more aggressive BYU defense.
BYU looked great overall, and with a lot of depth in their lineup, keep an eye out for some impressive performances this season from the Cougars.