BYU Basketball Questions Answered In Win Against Pepperdine

PROVO, Utah – The BYU basketball team bounced back in the win column defeating Pepperdine 91-81.

Let’s answer some questions from the Cougar’s fourth conference win of the season.

Who was the MVP for BYU basketball?

Fousseyni Traore had a nice bounce-back game against Pepperdine after being ineffective against Gonzaga.

He scored 19 points and pulled down nine rebounds.

Traore with double figures in the first half for the third time this season and seventh time in his career.#BYUHoops #GoCougs

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) January 15, 2023

The sophomore was consistent in both halves. He scored 12 points in the first half while adding seven in the second half.

BYU needed a strong performance from one of their best players and they got it from Traore.

He set the tone early when many were unsure how the Cougars would start after a quick turnaround.

What was something that caught your attention during the game?

In one of the timeouts against Gonzaga, former BYU Cougar Tyler Haws came onto the floor and buried 15 straight free throws to raise money for charity.

Unfortunately, BYU didn’t shoot like that from the line against the Zags in a loss, only making 50 percent of their attempts.

It left a lot to be desired seeing a former player in pants and a polo bury free throws with ease.

It's always tough to bounce back from a heartbreaking loss. So these opening minutes from #BYU have been a nice showing.

Dominating on the glass and getting Fouss involved early.#BYUHoops

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) January 15, 2023

Fast forward to the game against Pepperdine and the Cougars looked like a different team at the line.

They went 25 for 32 from the free-throw line.

BYU attempted 18 more free throws in this game than they did against Gonzaga.

The Cougars were on attack mode all night and it’s one of the main reasons they got back in the win column.

What was the most interesting stat from the game?

BYU is a really good rebounding basketball team and they dominated the glass against Pepperdine.

The Cougars were plus 18 on the boards.

However, I thought the production off the bench was crucial for the Cougars to get the win.

They got 28 points from their second unit led by Richie Saunders with 13 points.

Richie Saunders has changed the game for #BYU with his energy and shot-making here in the second half.

A big offensive rebound and put back has the Cougars up double digits with 5:37 to go.

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) January 15, 2023

Atiki Ally Atiki provided a nice spark in the first half as well chipping in with 11 points and five rebounds.

It was a well-balanced attack that helped the Cougars get the sour taste out of their mouths.

When was the game won for BYU basketball?

Jaxson Robinson missed his first six three-point attempts.

However, his only make of the night came at a crucial point late in the game.

Leading by five with two minutes remaining, Robinson found himself alone in front of the Cougar’s bench.

Without hesitation, Robinson buried his first triple of the game, giving the Cougars an eight-point lead with 1:52 remaining.

BYU never looked back and got a much-needed conference win at home.

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.