BYU Basketball Returns To Form In Win Over LMU

PROVO, Utah — BYU Basketball looked more like an NCAA Tournament team tonight in their blowout win over LMU, 79-59. It was a familiar performance for BYU, who used tough defense and an all-around team effort to earn the win. The Cougars dominated in the paint, outscoring the Lions 52-12 at the basket. BYU also did a great job sharing the ball, totaling 23 assists in the game.

23 assists for BYU tonight in the win over LMU. Second highest assist total in a game this season, BYU had 28 assists in the loss to Gonzaga in Spokane. #BYUHoops #GoCougs

— Dallen Graff (@lilthoint) February 25, 2022

Caleb Lohner had one of his best games of the season at the right time for the Cougars. He recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Te’Jon Lucas led the team with 14 points, adding six assists. Gideon George added 12 points and seven rebounds.

BYU secured their 20th win of the season. It makes three-straight seasons with at least 20 wins in the third year under head coach Mark Pope.

BYU Jumps Ahead Of LMU In First Half

Mark Pope deployed his 10th different starting lineup with Seneca Knight (thumb) unavailable. The starting five got off to a hot start, leading 10-3 at the first timeout. It was a more familiar performance for a BYU squad that has struggled through close games over the past month.

Caleb Lohner has been awesome in the early moments against Loyola Marymount.

His defense and rebounding has been excellent.

He’s scoring the ball around the rim leading #BYU in scoring with 6 early points. @kslsports #BYUhoops

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) February 25, 2022

Caleb Lohner had one of the best performances of the season in the first half. Lohner attacked the basket with physicality, setting the tone early in the game. He led the team in scoring with 11 points and also pulled in six rebounds. Gideon George added 10 points with two made threes.

LMU struggled offensively in the first half as BYU played great team defense. The Lions shot just 9-24 (38%) from the field and had an almost nine minute stretch where they didn’t make a shot from the field.

LMU’s free throws kept them within striking distance in the half. LMU was 8-13 from the line, while BYU attempted just two free throws in the half.

All #BYU tonight so far against LMU here in the Marriott Center.@BYUMBB – 45@lmulionsMBB – 28#GoCougs #BYUHoops pic.twitter.com/EP6rH5QJsN

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 25, 2022

BYU never trailed in the first half as the rolled into halftime with the lead. The Cougars dominated the paint, outscoring LMU down low 28-6. BYU led LMU at half, 45-28.

BYU Cruises In Second Half Against LMU

It was a similar story in the second half for BYU. The Cougars maintained their double-digit lead throughout the second half. With 12 minutes left in the game, BYU had the lead to 20 points.

Te’Jon Lucas had a nice second half performance for BYU, attacking the rim with favorable matchups and leading the team with eight points. Alex Barcello, who struggled shooting throughout, made his impact as a facilitator. The senior guard had four assists in the second half and seven in the game.

Alex Barcello with a jackpot stat line tonight: 7 points, 7 rebounds, and a season-high 7 assists.#BYU #BYUHoops @kslsports

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) February 25, 2022

The Cougar defense continued strong in the second half. LMU again shot poorly in the half, shooting 10-25 (40%) in the second half. BYU outrebounded the Lions in the second half, 20-11, helping them secure the victory.

#BYU earns win No. 20 on the season. Cougars roll through LMU to improve to 20-9 overall.@BYUMBB – 79@lmulionsMBB – 59#BYUHoops #GoCougs

📷: @BYUPhoto pic.twitter.com/yi4yFJLwzc

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 25, 2022

BYU closed down the stretch, maintaining their double-digit lead and walking away with a win. A blowout win for BYU hopefully helps build momentum ahead of the West Coast Conference Tournament in a few weeks. BYU defeats LMU at home, 79-59.

BYU’s Next Opponent

BYU (20-9) finishes out their regular season in the West Coast Conference with a home game. The Cougars face Pepperdine (7-23) on Saturday night. They’ll tip-off at 6:00 p.m. (MDT) at the Marriott Center. You can listen to the game on KSL NewsRadio 102.7 FM and 1160 AM.

Dallen Graff is a KSL Sports Contributor. He is the Producer of Cougar Sports Saturday (SUBSCRIBE) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow him on Twitter.