BYU vs. San Diego Postgame Notes

BYU vs. San Diego Game Story

BYU vs. San Diego Box Score

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PLAYER NOTES

Nick Emery made 5 of 7 from 3-point range to tie his season high in made 3s, which he has done four times. It also marked the 10th time this season he's hit at least three 3-pointers.

With 26 points, Emery reached the 20-point mark for the sixth time this season and the first time since Jan. 12 against San Francisco.

TJ Haws scored 12 points to reach double figures for the 21st time this season. His three 3-pointers gave him at least three 3s in 14 games.

Haws recorded a new career high of seven assists. He has now dished out more than five assists in nine games this season.

Davin Guinn tied his career high with two steals.

Eric Mika had 14 points on the night. Dating back to the last game of his freshman season, Mika has scored in double figures in 29-straight games. Along with his scoring total, his 10 rebounds upped his season total to 16 double-doubles.

With 15 points, Elijah Bryant made it three-straight games and 10 times on the season with at least 10 points.

TEAM NOTES

For the third-straight game, TJ Haws, Nick Emery, Elijah Bryant, Yoeli Childs and Eric Mika got the start for the Cougars.

After making 2 of 10 field goals to start the game, BYU hit 13 shots in a row to lead 39-22 with 5:08 on the first-half clock.

Haws, Emery, Bryant, Childs and Mika all scored at least 10 points to give BYU its first game with five double-figure scorers since Jan. 7 against Pacific.

QUOTES

BYU coach Dave Rose

"It was a hard-fought game. I think both teams were really aggressive and it's nice to see Nick really aggressive offensively. Our guys recognized that and went to him. Overall, nice to get a big win and looking forward to Saturday."

On BYU making 13-straight shots in the first half:

"I felt like at the start of the game they had us out of position and our timing was off. We got into a good rhythm after the first timeout and had a nice stretch. That gave us a nice cushion."

Looking forward to Saturday against Saint Mary's:

"I think defensively we've improved. We'll see if we're better at handllng their ball screens. Hopefully our guys are more aware of the challenge and more familiar with what they do as a team."

Elijah Bryant

On better 3-point defense in the second half:

"We just had to get there quicker on the outside and we made that adjustment at halftime to alter more of their shots."

Nick Emery

On bouncing back with a good offensive game:

"I'm feeling a lot better. I got open shots and was able to knock them down. We were stagnant for a little bit at the beginning of the game, but then knocked a few down and got going."

On BYU making 13-straight shots in the first half:

It was awesome. We're a young team but it's a process. We're learning how to get those good shots. That streak was awesome and got us going to a nice lead."

On how the Cougars are changing as a team:

"I think we learn well from our losses and from the mistakes we make. We're a young team but we're learning to play together. The fun part is figuring it out and continuing to believe."

San Diego coach Lamont Smith

On the comparison of the two halves:

"I thought at the end of the half we had the ball and we could have played for one more shot. We had an ill-advised turnover which led to Haws hitting that 3. So instead of going into the half down by four, we go down seven. That was a big swing for us. Then they came out and won the first four minutes and pretty much led the whole second half. I thought we did a great job defensively in the second half other than fouling. That was the difference in the game."

On double-teaming Mika:

"It was our game plan. This time he did a great job. We knew he’d be a great player and have some adjustments from the coaching staff. He did a great job of finding guys out of the double team which led to some 3s and bad rotations from us. I have to give credit to him."