Individual Notes
After missing the first game against Saint Mary’s, Yoeli Childs recorded his 11th double-digit scoring game this season with 19 points while adding three rebounds and one assists.
TJ Haws is now sixth in program history for consecutive games with a 3-pointer as he scored three in the game and brought his streak to 19 On the night, he tallied 23 points, five assists and two rebounds.
Team Notes
In the first half, the Cougars shot 60.0 percent from the field compared to the Gaels’ 55.6 percent as BYU held a 43-40 advantage. The Cougars buried seven 3-pointers in the first half as they shot 58.3 percent from beyond the arc.
BYU tied its season-best 44 points scored in the paint and recorded its 12th game with 10 or more 3-pointers after shooting 10 of 22 from beyond the arc.
On the game, the Cougars recorded 57.9 percent shooting from the field, 45.5 percent from 3 and 83.3 percent from the charity stripe while Saint Mary’s tallied 53.6 percent from the field, 50.0 percent from beyond the arc and 64.3 percent from the free throw line.
Postgame Quotes
BYU guard TJ Haws
On tonight’s game
“It’s so fun when it’s a battle all night. We had a lot of frustration and they made tough shots all night. Things went our way a little bit and then things went their way for a while, but we were just tough all night and we continued to battle. When it’s a team win like this they are so much fun to be a part of.”
On the atmosphere at the Marriott Center
“It was fantastic. When it’s full like this there is really no experience like it to be able to play out there on the floor. When you hit a big shot or get a big stop and it gets loud like that it is amazing.”
On the game-winning shot
“We called for a high ball screen and we had Jake on the weak side with Yoeli rolling. I had a little bit of space, so I pulled it.”
BYU forward Yoeli Childs
On Zac’s play
“Zac is a monster. He will just come out and fight and do whatever coach wants to get the win. If the game is on the line and on the defensive end, I need him in the game.”
On tonight’s win
“That’s one of the best experiences I have had here. It’s like a movie.”
BYU head coach Mark Pope
On tonight's win
“We’re so happy. TJ Haws is going to have a baby right now. Think about that. I’m so happy for him and for Yoeli Childs. He was able to gut it out and play through it. I’m so happy for Jake Toolson. Miraculously he rolls back out and gave the team a huge lift when he came into the huddle. Connor Harding was such a star. Such an impact tonight, he was for us. Randy is one of the coaches I admire the most with what he gets out of his team. It’s unbelievable what he’s accomplished there. His team plays hard and they’re tough. Malik Fitts, what he did was remarkable. We tried five different things to stop him but we couldn’t.”
On the last few seconds with Zac Seljaas
“I’m so happy for these guys. They’ve been fighting for this for so long. They’ve wanted this for so long. The standard here is so high. I was so excited about the building. I was so excited. There was great energy in the building, the student section was full to the rafters. I’m happy for everyone that came and saw these young men that are fighting with everything in their heart and soul to win. I’m happy that everyone came and got to see it. Think about Zac Seljaas. As a freshman who would’ve thought that we would sub him in in the waning seconds of a huge game and actually get the job done. That’s how far these players grow and develop.”
On the magic of the seniors
“You get to experience things as a senior that is just different. They have so much invested, so committed. I’m so happy for TJ, what a great shot. What an exciting way to go out before he has a child.”