POSTGAME NOTES: BYU 97, Western Oregon 64

The following notes and quotes are from BYU’s 97-64 win over Western Oregon on Thursday evening at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah. 

Series Results: BYU leads 4-0 with all four wins coming in Provo.

Attendance: 11,720

TEAM NOTES

Taking Care of Business

Mark Pope improved to 19-0 against non-Division 1 opponents in his head coaching career with BYU's win over Western Oregon.

Helping Each Others Out

BYU dished a season-high 28 assists on 34 made field goals in Thursday’s victory with three players setting career bests in the category. 

Cleaning Up The Trash

BYU has hauled down 10 or more offensive rebounds in all 12 games this season including 13 on Thursday night. The Cougars also outrebounded the Wolves 44-28. 

Turning Up The Heat

The Cougars scored 97 points Thursday night. It was just the second time this season that BYU  scored over 90 points in a game. 

Good To Be Home

BYU began its four-game home stand with a win. The Cougars improved to a 42-7 record at the Marriott Center under head coach Mark Pope. 

PLAYERS NOTES

Deck The Hall

Dallin Hall scored 11 first half points, marking the first time in his young career that he has reached double figures in the opening 20 minutes. Hall finished with a career-high 14 points, and five field goals made.

Richie Getting Richer

Richie Saunders reached double figures for the second consecutive as the freshman scored a career-high 17 points. 

Mr. Gideon George

Gideon George paced the Cougars in the first half as he scored 13 points, giving him eight games in his career that he has scored double figures in the opening stanza. He finished with a game-high 21 points, making a season-high four 3-pointers. 

Trey Dishin’ Dimes

Trey Stewart finished with a career-high eight assists. It’s the most assists by a Cougar in a game this season. 

Hao Makes a Debut

Hao Dong of Beijing, China, checked in with 4:04 left in the game to become the first Chinese born player to player to suit up and play for the Cougars. Dong finished with three points, a rebound, an assist and a steal. 

McGregor Makes His Mark

Jared McGregor scored the first points of his collegiate career finishing with six in his debut.

SEASON HIGHS

• Points: Gideon George (21), 
• 3-Point Field Goals: Gideon George (4) 
• Field Goals Made: Gideon George (8)
• Field Goal Attempts: Gideon George (14)
• Offensive Rebounds: Atiki Ally Atiki (5)
• Rebounds: Tredyn Christensen (3)

CAREER HIGHS

• Points: Richie Saunders (17), Dallin Hall (14), Tanner Toolson (10), Jared McGregor (6), Hao Dong (3), Tredyn Christensen (2)
• Field Goals: Richie Saunders (6), Dallin Hall (5), Tanner Toolson (4), Jared McGregor (2)
• 3-Point Field Goals: Richie Saunders (3), Jared McGregor (2)
• Rebounds: Atiki Ally Atiki (11), Hao Dong (1)
• Assists: Trey Stewart (8), Noah Waterman (4), Atiki Ally Atiki (2), Hao Dong (1)
• Blocks: Jaxson Robinson (2)
• Steals: Hao Dong (1), Tanner Toolson (1)

Quotes

Coach Mark Pope on Jared McGregor

“He [Jared McGregor] was not shy, he was 2-for-2 from the three-point line and he never shoots a shot inside the three-point line, so that was a little shaky but that's okay.”

“Jared, from the end of the season last year, we told him that there was just no chance of there being a walk on spot and Jared said, “I don’t care what you say.” He stayed in the gym every single day. He was in the gym with our players, he was in the gym by himself and he just stuck around relentlessly. I hold him in really high regard because there are very few people that are committed to anything in their life when the odds are against them as much as he’s been committed to doing this. He’s been super great for our team and I love him. This dude is going to continue to be a really important part of this team and he’s going to have a lot of success in his life because he’s got a little bit of grit that not many people have. It was fun to see all of that come across his face in one moment with that big smile. And to be able to witness that and a lot of his story take place has been really special.”

On the season-high 28 assists

“Having 28 assists is good for us, the guys were trying to find each other. We left a lot on the table and still have a lot of room to grow. We gotta get better and I don’t know that we took full advantage of this opportunity, but there were some ways where we got a little bit better tonight.

On preparing for the game against Utah on Saturday

“They’re a really good team, they’re playing well and they’re a very veteran team. They’re led by a super-star player and they have a super veteran supporting cast, guys that have been together for a long time and are playing well together. So we have our work cut out for us.”

Jared McGregor opening statement

“I really liked how we came out prepared. We prepare the same way for every game, but we did a good job knowing the scout and it was a really good team win.”

On hitting two threes to finish the game

“It was a dream come true, I am super blessed and super happy. Super grateful for coach giving me a chance, my teammates for getting us ahead enough to give me the opportunity of a lifetime. It was super cool!

“Obviously when I was a manager, the ultimate goal was to get on the court and from the beginning, my goal has been to contribute in any way I can. Last year it was as a manager, this year it’s on the scout team and when the opportunity arises, get in the game and not be afraid to shoot.”