BYU bests LMU 73-63 to advance to WCC semifinals
Can you say “Cinderella?”
BYU men’s basketball continued its run toward history with a 73-63 upset win over LMU in Saturday’s WCC quarterfinal showdown, advancing to Monday’s conference semifinal in Las Vegas.
“I’m really happy for our guys. It was the definition of a gritty win,” BYU head coach Mark Pope said. “We got out-rebounded, only had eight assists and committed 15 turnovers, but our guys were tough. They hung on defensively to do enough to win.”
Sure, the Cougars have yet to put together a full 40 minutes in their current tournament showing, but Pope’s squad has done just enough to win and keep the dream of BYU’s first-ever WCC title alive.
Rudi Williams led the way with 23 points — including a 11-12 clip from the free throw line — with Spencer Johnson and Jaxson Robinson adding 14 and 13 points each, respectively.
The Cougars shot 47% from three and 52% from the field, helping to overcome a messy 15 turnovers on offense.
Atiki Ally Atiki swatted three blocks and Richie Saunders continued his run of relentless defensive excellence.
BYU looks to score another upset over No. 1 Saint Mary’s in the WCC semifinals Monday at 7 p.m. MDT.
