BYU vs. SDSU Postgame Notes and Quotes

The following notes are from BYU's 72-62 win over No. 18 San Diego State on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, at the Viejas Arena.

 
ALL-TIME SERIES RESULTS: BYU leads 49-24.

TEAM NOTES

Hot shooting
The Cougars shot 46 percent from the field against a stingy SDSU defense that had been allowing 37 percent this season.

Free throws
Going 15-16 from the free throws from the line, the Cougars shot. BYU is 26-28 in the past two games.

Rebounds
BYU outrebounded SDSU 40-26 in the game. That’s the largest rebounding deficit for SDSU this season.

PLAYER NOTES

Alex Barcello
Barcello had a team-high 22 points, shooting 7-11, 2-3 from three and 6-6 from the free throw line, including four made free throws in the last 34 seconds of the game. He added seven assists and a career-high-tying seven rebounds.

Matt Haarms
Haarms had a team-high eight rebounds. That’s the most he’s registered this season. He also had 10 points.

Brandon Averette
Averette had 10 points in the game, knocking down a huge three with 52 seconds left in the game, putting BYU up 66-62.

Notable career highs/career firsts

Career-high rebounds: Haarms (8), Barcello (7 tied)

POSTGAME QUOTES

Mark Pope

On his team battling through for a big road victory

"This [San Diego State] team is really good. I was having these nightmares of us having zero points for the first 19 minutes of the game, and that's what they've done. They've let one team score over 60 points all season long, and they played a really tough schedule also. I do think there's a very legitimate chance they don't lose another game this season until the postseason. They're that good. So to come in here and get out with the win is just a tribute to our guys and how tough they are."

Brandon Averette

On BYU outrebounding the Aztecs 40-26

“The game was won right there. Before the game we preached ‘rebound, rebound, rebound.’ I’m just glad we went out and executed.”

On his experience at BYU so far

“It’s been phenomenal. Games like this, this is what I came here to do. It’s so fun, and I’m loving it every minute.”