Three Observations From BYU Sweep Over Saint Mary’s

PROVO, Utah – In the final game at the Marriott Center this season, the BYU Cougars swept the season series over Saint Mary’s by defeating the Gaels 65-51.

The Cougars used a strong second half performance to separate from the Gaels. BYU scored 42 of their 65 points in the final period.

Trevin Knell led the Cougars in scoring with 15 points off the bench. They’ll be more on his impressive shooting in my three observations below.

COUGS WIN!!! pic.twitter.com/jcDwtyXO05

— BYU Basketball (@BYUbasketball) February 28, 2021

The win over the Gaels marked another special senior night for head coach Mark Pope. Last year, BYU defeated #2 ranked Gonzaga in a sold out Marriott Center.

It was far from sold out in his second season at the helm, but the fact that he was able to celebrate another senior night with his players in a pandemic, is just as impressive as last year’s senior night.

Brandon Averette eluded to this point in his impromtu post-game speech to the fans at the Marriott Center. It hasn’t been easy, The job isn’t finished, but it’s already a memorable season for BYU.

Without further adieu, here are my three observations.

1. Matt Haarms block party

In his final game at the Marriott center, Haarms did not disappoint. Especially on the defensive end.

He tied his season high for blocks in the first half alone. The big man swatted five Gaels shot attempts, helping BYU hold Saint Mary’s to only 18 points.

Five blocks last Saturday against LMU and five blocks in the first half tonight for Matt Haarms. Only Trent Plaisted (6), Fernando Malaman (6), and Shawn Bradley (10) have more than five blocks in a game for #BYU#BYUhoops

— Dallen Graff (@lilthoint) February 28, 2021

Haarms finished with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks.

I was really impressed with how phsyical Haarms was in the post. He didn’t shoot the ball well, but he consistently fought for rebounds and battled in the paint.

2. Trevin Knell sharpshooter

Brandon Averette picked up two quick fouls in the first half, which prompted a substition for coach Mark Pope.

In came Trevin Knell, who quickly buried a pair of triples for the first six BYU points of the half.

B 👏 Y 👏 U

Matt Haarms ❌
Alex Barcello 🎯
Trevin Knell 👌@ESPNU |@BYUbasketball #WCChoops pic.twitter.com/0rVdUSzglb

— WCC Basketball (@WCChoops) February 28, 2021

He finished the game leading BYU in scoring with 15 points making 4-of-5 from downtown.

Over the past six games, Knell is shooting 71 percent from the three point line making 15-of-21.

Like many other aspects of this team, Knell is getting hot at the right time.

3. And-one Matt Haarms

At the 6:50 mark in the second half Matt Haarms received a pass on a pick-and-roll from Brandon Averette.

The big man drove into traffic and flipped up an awkward shot while being fouled. He made the shot and celebrated in front of the crowd.

AND ONE for Matt Haarms!

This dude loves the energy of the crowd. It’s a shame he couldn’t experience a sold out Marriott Center during his time in Provo. #BYU #GoCougs

📸: ⁦@BYUphoto⁩ pic.twitter.com/mYWAqdgU0e

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) February 28, 2021

He’s been playing some of his basketball of the season these past two weeks. The same thing can be said about this BYU basketball team.

Haarms is instrumental in this teams success. He doesn’t have to lead the team in scoring, but when he’s aggressive on both ends of the floor like he was against the Gaels, it takes the Cougars to another level.

This version of Haarms makes them dangerous come March.

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.