Alex Barcello Scoring Among Observations From BYU Win Over Pacific

PROVO, Utah – The BYU basketball team opened WCC play with a win over the Pacific Tigers 73-51.

Conference play started later than expected due to Covid-19 protocols, the Cougars enjoyed a much needed break after a difficult non-conference schedule.

After a slow start, BYU poured it on in the second half outscoring Pacific by 18 points.

Here are my observations for the Cougars first win in 2022.

1. Automatic Alex Barcello from deep

Barcello joined the 1,000 point club with a three point shot at the end of the first half.

During his time at BYU he has redefined what it means to be consistent.

He’s deadly accurate from behind the three point line making over 48 percent of his attempts this season.

And what a shot to do it on 🤩@BYUMBB x #WCChoops https://t.co/ZlWk7Jhzz8

— WCC Basketball (@WCChoops) January 7, 2022

If he continues this pace, he will have shot better than 47 percent from deep for his career as a Cougar.

Quite simply, what he’s doing is unbelievable.

He’s making a serious case to be remembered as the greatest shooter to ever play in Provo.

2. Spencer Johnson buzzer-beater

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Spencer Johnson is a winning player.

It was good to have him back in the lineup after missing the last game against Westminster.

BYU's Seneca Knight (undisclosed) and Spencer Johnson (undisclosed) should be "good to go" for tonight's game against Pacific, per Mark Pope.

Knight averages 5.9 PPG.

Johnson averages 8.4 PPG.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) January 6, 2022

The BYU basketball offense struggled to get into a flow in the first half.

After coming up with a defensive stop late in the half, Alex Barcello had an opportunity to get the final shot.

Of course he drilled the long three point shot, because he’s one of the best shooters to ever play in Provo.

However, he took the shot too early, leaving Pacific with a few seconds to get off the final shot of the half.

Wisely, Johnson hung around near the basket.

After stealing the inbound pass, he quickly threw up a floater that banked in as the horn sounded.

Within a matter of seconds the Cougars scored five points to give them the lead at the break.

3. New BYU basketball starting center

Traore has started at center for the past three games and it’s paid off for head coach Mark Pope.

It’s been a challenge finding the right starting center after losing Gavin Baxter to a season-ending injury, but Traore is making a strong case to become the permanent starting center.

Fouss Traore has been the standout during the first half for #BYU 🏀

He leads the team in rebounding and he’s second in scoring with 8 points.

Dude is going to be GOOD for the Cougars for a long time. @kslsports #GoCougs

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) January 7, 2022

Traore is very good offensively around the rim, but he can become even more of an offensive weapon with some perimeter scoring.

In the first half he found himself all alone for a mid-range jumper, and he drilled it.

If he can do that consistently, watch out.

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.