Caleb Lohner’s Offense Among Observations From BYU’s Win Over LMU

PROVO, Utah – The BYU basketball team got a much-needed easy win against Loyola Marymount 79-59. 

Four Cougars scored in double figures led by point guard Te’Jon Lucas with 14 points.

The game was never in double with BYU leading for 39 minutes of game time. They never trailed.

Here are my observations on the second to last home game of the season.

1. Caleb Lohner back in the starting lineup

Lohner got the start in place for injured Seneca Knight, who is dealing with a thumb issue.

He posted his second double-double of the season scoring 13 points while adding 10 rebounds.

If he continues to play like this for the rest of the season, he’ll remain in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future.

Although he’s struggled from the three-point line this year, he drilled his only attempt.

Confidence was not an issue for Lohner tonight. His offensive rythym was the best it’s been in weeks.

keep it rollin @caleblohner !

— collin chandler (@collinchand13r) February 25, 2022

As usual, Lohner was elite defensively guarding all five positions at various points in the game.

If BYU has any chance of getting to the WCC championship game, they’ll need Lohner to produce like he did against the Lions.

2. Spencer Johnson celebration

For the first time in weeks, the BYU basketball team looked like they were having fun in their blowout win over LMU.

Midway through the second half, Spencer Johnson grabbed an offensive rebound and found Trevin Knell at the top of the key.

After passing the ball, Johnson kept running back towards the student section.

Knell drilled the three, and Johnson celebrated 50 feet away from the play.

Great win for #BYU 🏀

They needed an easy win.

It looked like the Cougars were having fun again.

Multiple celebrations from all players throughout the night. @kslsports #BYUhoops

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) February 25, 2022

Johnson believed the shot was going in the second Knell released the ball.

It’s been a challenging season with close losses, and devastating injuries, which makes it even sweeter to see this team enjoying the game still.

3. BYU basketball points in the paint disparity

The Cougars had a decisive advantage in the paint against the Lions, who were without their starting center Keli Leaupepe.

BYU outscored LMU in the painted area 52-12.

You won’t lose many games when you outscore your opponent by 40 in the painted area.

The Lions simply couldn’t handle the inside presence of Lohner and Fousseyni Traore.

Another 20-win season for #BYU basketball.

It's the 20th 20-win campaign since the 2000 season. https://t.co/DOM7dn0aBN

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) February 25, 2022

Te’Jon Lucas chipped in 14 points, many of which came on drives to the basket.

Because BYU isn’t a great three-point shooting team, they need to get easy buckets like they did against LMU.

You can hear Matt Baiamonte every Saturday on KSL Newsradio for Cougar Sports Saturday from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. or you can find him on Twitter here.