Cougars Hold On To Win Over Pacific, 90-87
Jan 3, 2019, 11:39 PM | Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 7:54 pm
STOCKTON, Calif. – The BYU Cougars survived a comeback attempt by Pacific to win their WCC conference opener with a 90-87 win over the Tigers.
Win.#BYUhoops #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/bYJwNhzhTG
— BYU Basketball (@BYUbasketball) January 4, 2019
Roaring Tigers
The Tigers mounted a strong comeback effort after trailing by as much as 21 in the game.
The Cougars had a sizable 49-37 lead at halftime and let the Tigers get back into tie the game at 67-all with a little less than seven minutes remaining.
From there it was neck and neck almost the whole way to the finish.
After the game was tied at 78-all after a pair of free throws by Pacific’s Roberto Gallinat, the Tigers took the lead with 3:12 remaining on another made free throw by Zach Cameron.
The Cougars responded with a 3-pointer by TJ Haws to retake the lead at 81-79.
From there the two teams exchanged baskets, tying up the game two more times.
Nick Emery had a moment of adversity when he fouled Pacific’s Ajare Sanni with 14 seconds remaining, allowing the Tiger guard to shoot three free throws. Luckily, he made just two before Emery went to the line himself with a chance to seal the game with it the Cougars leading 88-87.
Splash, splash. He made them both.
BYU 90 – PAC 87 | 0:13.6 2H
Nick hits two FTs.#BYUhoops
— BYU Basketball (@BYUbasketball) January 4, 2019
Gallinat’s desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer was off and the Cougars grabbed the hard earned win.
By The Numbers
Haws led the way with 24 points and four 3-pointers made.
Yoeli Childs had a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Emery finished with seven points, including the two most important free throws
Gallinat led the Tigers in scoring with 22 points off the bench.
Next Up
The Cougars will continue WAC play against Saint Mary’s, on the road. The game will tip off at 7 p.m. and be broadcast on ESPN 2.
