BYU Gears Up For 40-Minutes Of Physicality Against Saint Mary’s

PROVO, Utah – BYU basketball games against Saint Mary’s have been signature events since joining the WCC in 2011. Saturday night (8 p.m., ESPN2 & KSL NewsRadio) has the makings to be another great matchup in a series that saw BYU sweep the Gaels for the first time last season.

Both teams come in with similar records and each has tested themselves in non-conference. BYU is at 13-3 overall and Saint Mary’s is 12-3.

There was some uncertainty around the game being played as the Gaels had to postpone their game against Santa Clara on Thursday due to COVID-19 issues within their program. But all systems are in place for a marquee WCC tilt.

#BYU coach Mark Pope said the Saint Mary’s game is going to happen. Pope got confirmation at 11:15 a.m. today that the Gaels are set to play Saturday night in the Marriott Center.#BYUHoops @kslsports

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) January 7, 2022

“We got 100% confirmation this morning, I think at like 11:15 that their equipment manager is actually packing the dark uniforms, and it’s a go,” said BYU coach Mark Pope. “We’re good; we’re golden. Let’s go, man.”

That’s an excellent outcome for both teams as this game has NCAA Tournament implications on the line. In the latest Bracket Matrix, BYU and Saint Mary’s are each projected as at-large bid recipients with the Cougars as a 9-seed and the Gaels an 11.

BYU vs. Saint Mary’s

Tip: 8 p.m. (MT)

Location: Marriott Center; Provo, Utah

TV: ESPN2

Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM – Pregame begins at 7 p.m.)

Series: BYU leads 17-16

Last Meeting: BYU 65, Saint Mary’s on February 27, 2021, in Provo.

BYU knows that games against SMC require physicality

BYU comes into Saturday’s late-night WCC showdown, settling into their new starting five with freshman Fousseyni Traore at the center spot. Traore has started the last three games and has averaged nearly 10 rebounds per game.

Winning on the glass, which has been a calling card for this BYU basketball team despite season-ending injuries to Gavin Baxter and Richard Harward in the frontcourt, will have to be on display again because the senior-laden Gaels are going to pose challenges for BYU.

#BYU guard Alex Barcello on expectations for Saint Mary’s game: “It’s a physical battle, the entire 40 minutes.”#BYUHoops @kslsports

➡️: https://t.co/EL9SNo3Obq pic.twitter.com/BlIPkDUt1v

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) January 7, 2022

“They’ve been flirting as a top-10 defensive team in the country. But, you know, they are just so physical and really long. They have length throughout their roster and they are super-disciplined,” said Pope, who is 3-2 in games against Saint Mary’s as BYU’s coach.

Fresh off joining the 1,000-point club in his BYU career, senior guard Alex Barcello has put up All-American numbers this season, averaging 17.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. He’s seen all five of the previous meetings in the Pope era against Saint Mary’s; he echoes similar sentiments as his coach.

“It’s a physical battle, the entire 40 minutes. So we’re going to be prepared for that,” Barcello said about his expectations for Saint Mary’s. “We’ve got to rest up, come in, scout, watch as much film to prepare for it. But we know it’s going to be 40 minutes of just back-and-forth battling and physicality.”

Potential difference-maker for BYU basketball

When you look at players who bring physicality on a nightly basis, forward Caleb Lohner is a safe bet. But the sophomore big man hasn’t been as automatic on the offensive end. The preseason All-WCC selection is 2-of-11 from the field in his last three games.

Lohner had his share of struggles last year on the offensive end as a freshman before becoming one of the most accurate three-point shooters in league play last season. However, Mark Pope has said in the past that he’s not worried about Lohner’s offensive game as his impact on that end of the floor goes beyond a box score.

Lohner will likely go up against SMC’s Kyle Bowen, who is in his first year as a full-time starter for the Gaels.

What to know about Saint Mary’s

Last year was considered a dip year for Saint Mary’s under Randy Bennett. Despite the sub-.500 record in WCC play (4-6), the Gaels still worked their way towards an appearance in the NIT.

The common theme for many programs these days is to retool or overhaul the roster with Transfer Portal additions. Bennett just developed the roster from within as everyone from last year’s team pretty much returned, including super senior guard Tommy Kuhse who came off the bench in their last game against Yale on December 28.

Saint Mary's returns to action on Saturday night against BYU! Gaels and Cougars tip-off at 7 pm PT on ESPN2! #GaelsRise

Full preview ⬇️https://t.co/B4zNAQqcLm pic.twitter.com/D4RLvTttTe

— Saint Mary's Hoops (@saintmaryshoops) January 7, 2022

Saint Mary’s is 15th nationally according to KenPom in “minutes continuity.” It’s a group that knows each other quite well and it’s one of the reasons they are 12th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency metrics. Their unique style and tempo are one of the slower ones in college basketball.

“The game doesn’t ever break open with Saint Mary’s because there’s never a push of pace in the game. They take a shot and they’ve got five guys running back if they haven’t got a rebound, and they are set. It just is what it is,” said BYU’s Mark Pope.

One new face to keep an eye on is freshman guard Augustas Marciulionis. If the name sounds familiar, you know your hoops; he’s the son of former NBA player Sarunas Marciulionis. Marciulionis has started the last two games for the Gaels. He will likely be one of the faces of Bennett’s program in the future.

Probable Starters

BYU (13-3, 1-0 WCC)

G – Alex Barcello, 6-2, 192, Sr.

G – Te’Jon Lucas, 6-1, 187, Sr.

G – Trevin Knell, 6-5, 197, Jr.

F – Caleb Lohner, 6-8, 235, Soph.

F – Fousseyni Traore, 6-6, 254, Fr.

Saint Mary’s (12-3, 0-0)

G – Logan Johnson, 6-2, 177, Sr.

G – Augustas Marciulionis, 6-4, 195, Fr.

G/F – Alex Ducas, 6-6, 220, Jr.

F – Kyle Bowen, 6-8, 222, Jr.

C – Matthias Tass, 6-10, 245, Sr.

BYU vs. Saint Mary’s Prediction

This is a game that both teams would love to win as it would bolster already strong NCAA Tournament resumes. I’m calling for Alex Barcello and Te’Jon Lucas to have big games in this matchup. Taking care of the basketball will also be important as BYU is currently 259th nationally in turnover margin.

But I’m saying BYU takes care of the rock as possessions will be at a premium with the slowdown tempo against the Gaels. BYU locks up a win in what should be another down-to-the-wire game against the Gaels.

BYU 61, Saint Mary’s 58

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.

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