Senior Guards Lead No. 12 BYU In Bounce Back Win Over Missouri State
Dec 4, 2021, 4:22 PM | Updated: 8:39 pm
PROVO, Utah — BYU basketball responded after an upset loss with a road victory against Missouri State, 74-68. The Cougars survived another tough test on the road, after losing to Utah Valley earlier in the week.
The senior backcourt of Alex Barcello and Te’Jon Lucas came up big for BYU. Barcello led the team with 21 points on just 2-7 shooting from three, and added four steals. Lucas added 17 points and two blocks. It was a hard fought game between the Cougars and the Bears of the Missouri Valley Conference. Although it remained relatively tight throughout, BYU led for the final 27 minutes of game time
Improved Shooting For BYU In First Half
BYU missed the presence of Gavin Baxter in the first half, who suffered a season-ending injury against Utah Valley. Missouri State’s size in the paint presented a real challenge. The Bears led in rebounds (20-14) with BYU not pulling down an offensive rebound in the half. Caleb Lohner got the start at the five in place of the injured Baxter.
However, it was an improved performance from three that helped BYU stay ahead in the first half. They shot 5-12 for 42%, well above their 29.9% average entering the game. Spencer Johnson has been one of BYU’s best players this season and one of the biggest surprises. He was big off the bench in the first half, leading the team in scoring with 12 points. He was a perfect 3-3 from three-point range as well.
Spencer Johnson gets the early season nod for most improved player on this #BYU roster. He’s been playing great basketball this year.#BYUHoops @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 4, 2021
BYU’s senior backcourt of Te’Jon Lucas and Alex Barcello led the Cougars offensive and defensive attack against Missouri State. Alex Barcello bounced back from a below standard shooting performance earlier in the week. He had six points on 2-3 shooting and added two steals. Te’Jon Lucas scored six points and two rebounds for the Cougars.
Cougs on top at the half. pic.twitter.com/vOF5diRUUC
— BYU Men’s Basketball (@BYUMBB) December 4, 2021
BYU led Missouri State at the half, 35-27.
Senior Backcourt Leads Cougars In Second Half
Missouri State had a ten minute stretch without a made field goal over the end of the first half and early in the second half. By the time the Bears scored their first bucket in the half, BYU had increased it’s lead to 14 points.
This is one of those games where #BYU just has to find a way to “survive and advance.” Honestly, that might be the theme for a lot of #BYU‘s games against Top 100 teams the rest of this season.#BYUHoops @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 4, 2021
However, it was not an easy half for BYU. Missouri State continued to close the gap against the Cougars, but each time it got within a possession BYU’s senior guards stepped up. Alex Barcello and Te’Jon Lucas came up clutch again and again in the second half, helping secure the win. Barcello had 14 points without a three in the half (0-4) and another two steals. Lucas added 11 points, two blocks and a steal.
The Cougars could not continue their improved three-point shooting in the second half. After shooting 42% from three in the first half, BYU shot just 1-11 in the final half. The Bears continued to keep the game tight and had the game within one possession with under a minute to play. But Caleb Lohner had a big bucket and Seneca Knight came up with a key block when BYU needed it. The Cougars prevailed earning a 74-68 win.
— BYU Men’s Basketball (@BYUMBB) December 4, 2021
BYU’s Next Opponent
BYU returns home for yet another in-state foe with the Utah State Aggies (6-2) coming into town. The game will take place at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah with a 7 p.m. (MDT) tip-off. 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.
