BYU vs. LMU Postgame Notes

BYU vs. LMU Game Story

BYU vs. LMU Box Score

BYU vs. LMU Facebook Photo Gallery

PLAYER NOTES

Going back to the last game of his freshman year, sophomore Eric Mika has scored in double-digits in 24-straight games. He wound up with 27 points for his 12th 20-plus game this season.

Mika's early block gave him at least one block in all but three games this season. On the night, he tied a career high of four blocks, giving him a season total of three four-block games.

Ranked second nationally in both free-throw attempts and makes, Mika went 11-of-14 from the line. It's his fourth game in 2016-17 with at least 10 made free throws.

TJ Haws made 3-of-7 3-pointers. He's hit at least three 3s in 11 games this season, the second most for a BYU freshman.

Nick Emery made 1-of-4 3-pointers to up his school record streak of 32 straight games with at least one 3.

With seven points, Steven Beo had his best scoring game since his 12 points against Santa Clara on Dec. 29.

Yoeli Childs scored 10 points for his seventh game in double figures this season.

Elijah Bryant had a career-best eight rebounds.

TEAM NOTES

The Cougars made their first seven field goals to start out the game.

BYU's 28 made free throws (on a season-high 44 attempts) are the most in a game this season since the opener against Princeton, when the Cougars made 30.

The Cougars shot 53 percent on the night. They are now 9-0 this season when making at least half of their field goals.

With 85 points, BYU improved to 10-1 when scoring at least 80 points at home.

QUOTES

BYU head coach Dave Rose

"It was a pretty physical game. I thought they were really aggressive on both ends of the floor. There were times when we were hesitant, and we turned the ball over too many times. It was more of a reactionary game. They were so aggressive. For the most part we attacked pretty well. Despite the turnovers and free-throw shooting, I thought it was a pretty good win for our guys."

On how to address the high number of turnovers:

"We'll show it to them and see. I've always felt like if guys are aggressive and feel like they have freedom to make a play, we can handle those aggressive trapping defenses. We'll see what guys are thinking and we'll move on from there."

On the effort coming off a loss:

"I think our guys played hard. There haven't been too many games where effort has been the issue. Execution has been the thing with this team. I'm pleased with their competitiveness and heart and how hard they play."

Eric Mika

On improvements from Thursday's loss against Santa Clara:

"I think we did a pretty good job of being more physical. We had runs where we looked like us but didn't have constant energy in the first half. We did better in the second half and responded well to their physicality."

On looking forward to Gonzaga:

"I think we're all excited. It's going to be loud here and we really look forward to going up against them. It's going to be a lot of fun."

TJ Haws

On the pace of a game with so many free-throw attempts:

"It's hard to get in rhythm when the game is stopping and going like that. We had times of stop and go as far as playing our best. Overall I thought we did a good job of attacking their defense and getting to the line."

On looking forward to Gonzaga:

"We're really excited. They're talented and play hard. We're going to give a great effort on our end and see what happens."

LMU head coach Mike Dunlap

Takeaways from the game:

"One, we were in the game while playing away and two, when you shoot free throws as poorly as we did, it’s hard to win. We didn’t turn the ball away in a hostile environment. We got more shot attempts than they did, so all of that was good."

On playing in the Marriott Center:

"I love their crowd—the hotter, the better. Games in Provo help you in the WCC playoffs. This is our favorite place to come because of the hospitality. It’s a classy crowd but they get after you; they’re humorous." ​