BYU plays the final of five straight home games Monday when it hosts UNLV at 10 p.m. in the Marriott Center. The Cougars (12-4, 1-0 MWC) are coming off a 79-50 home win over San Diego State Saturday while the Rebels (10-6, 1-1 MWC) had a seven-game winning streak come to an end in a 79-70 loss at Utah Saturday afternoon. BYU enters the game with a five-game winning streak and a 14-game home winning streak. The game is being televised on ESPN and can be heard on KSL Newsradio 1160 with Greg Wrubell and Mark Durrant calling the action on the Cougar Sports Network.
Up Next
BYU returns to the road after five straight home games, making its first MWC road trip to face Colorado State and Wyoming. The Cougars play the Rams in Fort Collins, Colo., Saturday and then face the Cowboys in Laramie, Wyo., Monday. Both games start at 7 p.m. and are being televised by SportsWest Productions (KSL-TV, channel 5, in Salt Lake City).
Game 17 Fast Facts (MWC Game 2)
Teams:
Brigham Young University Cougars (12-4, 1-0 MWC) - Provo, Utah
UNLV (10-6, 1-1 MWC) - Las Vegas, Nevada
Date: Monday, Jan. 15, 2001
Site: Provo, Utah
Arena:Marriott Center (22,700)
Time: 10 p.m. MST
Series:
UNLV leads, 5-4
Last Meeting: UNLV defeated BYU 79-56 for MWC Tournament Title in Las Vegas (March 11, 2000)
Last Year: BYU swept the conference series before losing in the MWC Tourney.
Coaches:
BYU, Steve Cleveland (55-52 in fourth year; same overall)
UNLV, Max Good (7-2 in first year; same overall)
TV:
ESPN
Play-by-Play - Bob Carpenter
Game Analyst - Jimmy Dykes
Radio:
KSL Newsradio 1160 AM (Cougar Sports Network)
Pregame Air Time - 9:30 p.m. MST
Play-by-Play - Greg Wrubell
Game Analyst - Mark Durrant
BYU's Probable Starters:
Pos. # Name Ht. Wt. Yr. PPG RPG
F 2 Travis Hansen 6-6 210 So. 6.1 2.9
F 25 Eric Nielsen 6-9 215 Jr. 6.5 4.3
F 15 Mekeli Wesley 6-9 240 Sr. 15.6 5.4
G 24 Terrell Lyday 6-3 195 Sr. 15.6 2.6
G 21 Trent Whiting 6-1 185 Sr. 15.2 2.3
UNLV's Probable Starters:
Pos. # Name Ht. Wt. Yr. PPG RPG
F 15 Lou Kelly 6-5 210 So. 7.9 2.4
F 10 Dalron Johnson 6-9 205 So. 11.9 7.5
F/C 34 Kaspars Kambala 6-9 250 Sr. 18.3 10.3
G 3 Trevor Diggs 6-3 185 Sr. 13.9 2.3
G 24 Vince Booker 6-1 175 Jr. 3.9 1.3
Scouting UNLV
UNLV (10-6, 1-1 MWC) returns four starters and nine lettermen from last year's 23-8 team that tied Utah as Mountain West Conference regular season champions before beating BYU for the MWC Tournament title. The Rebels were placed on probation by the NCAA on Dec. 12. The university responded by relieving coach Bill Bayno of his duties and replacing him with assistant Max Good. The Rebels were 3-4 under Bayno and are now 7-2 with Good at the helm. Among the sanctions leveled against UNLV is being prohibited from post-season pla this season, including the MWC Tournament in Las Vegas. The Rebel are coming off a loss at Utah Saturday (79-70). Other Rebel losses were to Illinois (74-69), Louisville (86-85 in OT), Oklahoma State (77-60 in OT), Nevada (80-71), and Cincinnati (90-72). UNLV is 1-2 in true away games this year, 1-3 on a neutral court and 8-1 at home. The Rebels lone away win was at Old Dominion (82-67). The Rebels are 1-1 in league play with a win over Air Force (65-54) before the loss at Utah. In addition to the win over the Falcons, Rebel wins during their recent seven-game winning streak included Chicago State (106-71), Loyola Marymount (75-60), Old Dominion (82-67), Monmouth (81-70), Pepperdine (69-64) and Alaska Anchorage (101-71). Senior center Kaspars Kambala (6-9, 250) averages a double-double while leading the Rebels with 18.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Senior shooting guard Trevor Diggs (6-3, 185) adds 13.9 points, followed by sophomore forward Dalron Johnson (6-9, 205) at 11.9 points and junior guard Jermaine Lewis (6-4, 190) at 10.6. The Rebels average 78.5 points while giving up 70.4 and pull down a 40.4 rebounds per game.
Series History
This will be the 10th meeting between the two schools. UNLV leads the series, 5-4, after blowing the Cougars out, 79-56, at home for the MWC Tournament title last March 11. BYU won the two regular season games last year, opening the conference season with a 77-75 win in Las Vegas and then pulling out an 83-82 victory in Provo. The Rebels won the prior four games in the series with two wins in 1998 (84-76 in Provo and 76-63 in Las Vegas) and two wins in 1982 (52-50 win in Las Vegas and a 66-63 win in Provo). BYU won the first two games of the series in Danny Ainge's senior season in 1981 (86-77 in Provo and 92-90 in double overtime in Las Vegas). BYU guard Terrell Lyday had one of his best games as a Cougar in the season opener last year, scoring 30 points with a career-best 11 rebounds and six steals.
Monday's Statistical Comparison
BYU vs. UNLV
BYU UNLV
SCORING
Points per game 72.5 78.5
Scoring margin + 10.6 + 8.1
SHOOTING PERCENTAGES
Field goals .463 .449
3-pointers .374 .336
Free throws .769 .684
REBOUNDING
Rebounds per game 34.3 40.4
Rebounding margin + 1.4 + 0.8
ASSISTS
Assists per game 13.8 16.5
TURNOVERS
Turnovers per game 14.9 15.9
Turnover margin + 1.2 + 0.6
STEALS
Steals per game 6.1 7.9
BLOCKS
Blocks per game 3.2 5.7
UNLV Quick Facts:
General Info
Location: Las Vegas, Nev.
Founded: 1957
Enrollment: 23,000
Nickname: Runnin' Rebels
Colors: Scarlet and Gray
Home Arena: Thomas & Mack Center
Conference: Mountain West
Athletic Director: Charles Cavagnaro
Basketball Info
Head Coach: Max Good
Overall Record (Years): 7-2 (1st)
Record at School (Years): 7-2 (1st
Assistant Coaches: Dave Rice, Charles Cunningham, Bill Wuczynski
1999-2000
Overall Record: 23-8
Conf. Record/Finish: 10-4/Tie 1st
Final Ranking/Post Season Finish: Lost to Tulsa in NCAA First Round
2000-2001
Lettermen Returning/Lost: 9/3
Starters Returning/Lost: 4/1
Returning Starters (last year's stats)
Trevor Diggs,6-3, 185, Sr., G (15.1 ppg, 3.2 apg)
Kaspars Kambala, 6-9, 250, Sr., F/C 11.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg)
Donovan Stewart, 6-4, 210, Sr., F (18.5 ppg, 9.3 rpg)
Dalron Johnson, 6-9, 205, So., F (4.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg)
Media Relations
Basketball Contact: Andy Grossman
Cell: 702-630-3949
Website: www.unlvrebels.com
BYU TEAM NOTES
BYU Opened MWC Play with 79-50 Win Over San Diego State Saturday
PROVO -- The BYU men's basketball team, led by senior guard Terrell Lyday, soundly defeated a much-improved San Diego State Aztec team in front of a loud crowd at the Marriott Center. The final score of 79-50 totaled a 29 point victory for BYU, the second highest margin of victory for the Cougars during the 2000-2001 campaign. "We just got a good old fashioned whipping today," said San Diego State coach Steve Fisher. "They were very good. We gave them a few easy shots in the beginning and then they just took over from there. We couldn't stop them." The Cougars utilized a hot hand from the perimeter, shooting 13 for 26 from the three point arc, to hand the Aztecs their second conference loss in as many games. The 13 three point field goals made by BYU tied a Cougar record set against LSU in 1992 and TCU in 1999. Specifically, Lyday and Trent Whiting found the range early and often, shooting a combined 10 for 14 on 3 point field goals. The prolific starting backcourt for BYU of Lyday (15 ppg) and Whiting (15 ppg) scored 24 and 17 points respectively, as Lyday just missed a season high in only 22 minutes of action. He scored 25 in a game against Boise State at the Yahoo Sports Invitational. BYU coach Steve Cleveland cited the layoff between games as an asset for the Cougars in preparing for the Saturday afternoon Mountain West Conference opener. "Four or five days to prepare for a game does make a difference, especially offensively," Cleveland said. "Our preparation for tonight was the difference. We made baskets tonight and we defended well and when you do that, it is fun to watch." Two-time MWC Player of the Week, Robert Holcomb was held in check by the Cougars stifling defense. Holcomb scored 13 points, almost 5 points below his season average. Cleveland commented on the defensive effort his team put forth. "The guys who played the first 30 minutes played very well," Cleveland said. "We defended well and had lots of energy and that is what it is going to take to win." Mekeli Wesley, BYU's senior forward and leading scorer (16.0 ppg), switched roles for the win. Wesley dished out a season high 5 assists, just one short of his career high. Freshman forward Jacob Chrisman also enjoyed career high of eight rebounds to contribute to the Cougar victory.
Notes from Saturday's Game
• The Cougars made 13 three-point field goals to equal a BYU record set against LSU in 1992 and TCU in 1999. The Cougars attempted 26 three point field goals, a season high.
• BYU shot 50 percent or better from the floor for the fourth time this year, all wins.
• In a role change for Mekeli Wesley, BYU's leading scorer, he dished out 5 assists, a season high and just one short of his career high.
• Freshman forward Jacob Chrisman led the Cougars with 8 rebounds, a career high, in 20 minutes of play.
• Only one Aztec player scored in double figures, junior forward Randy Holcomb scored 13, almost 5 points below his season scoring average.
BYU honored 51 NIT title team saturday
BYU honored the 1951 NIT Championship team Saturday at halftime, presenting them with the same NIT trophy they won 50 years ago. The 1951 team won the national championship that season despite not having a home court. The Cougars played at the University of Utah or Springville Gym. The Cougars finished the season with a 28-9 record and defeated Dayton 62-43 to win the NIT title. The team's coach, Stan Watts, passed away this past April 6 at the age of 88. Only two other members of the team are deceased, players Joe Richey and Kent Durrant.
BYU In the polls
BYU received five votes (T34th) in the latest ESPN/USA Today Top 25 poll. The other MWC receiving votes was Wyoming with 2 (T41st). No MWC teams received votes in the latest Associated Press poll.
Sagarin ratings
BYU had the top MWC rating according to the Jan. 8 Sagarin Ratings. The Cougars are ranked 62nd with an 80.59 rating. The records below reflect Division I games.
Rk Team Rating Record
62 BYU 80.59 11-4
63 Wyoming 80.57 9-3
75 New Mexico 79.13 9-2
92 SDSU 77.37 9-3
97 UNLV 77.00 7-5
99 Utah 76.86 5-6
118 CSU 74.83 7-4
241 Air Force 64.56 5-8
College RPI ratings
BYU had the top RPI rating among MWC teams according to the Jan. 8 CollegeRPI.com ratings computed by Jerry Palm and the Collegiate Basketball News. The Mountain West Conference is rated 10th among the 32 conferences (and five independents) in the country.
Team CBN/CollegeRPI.com
BYU 58/58
Wyoming 78/71
New Mexico 79/72
Utah 101/99
UNLV 108/105
SDSU 115/119
CSU 143/142
Air Force 240/238
Lyday Strong in Last Three Games
Terrell Lyday scored a game-high 24 points while making 5-6 three-pointers in BYU's win over San Diego State Saturday. He was BYU's leading scorer in both games last week, averaging 16 points in two Cougar wins. He shot 50 percent from the floor and on threes for the week while making 83.3 percent of his free throws. Lyday scored 19 points in the first half Saturday to help BYU jump out to a big lead over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. He played only 19 minutes because of a hip pointer. He went 3-6 on threes and 4-9 overall from the floor while making 8-10 free throws. Lyday led a balanced BYU attack against Idaho, scoring a game-high 13 points as one of four Cougars in double figures. He added three rebounds, two steals and an assist in his 26 minutes. He was 5-9 from the floor, including 1-2 on treys, and 2-2 from the line.
On the Boards
BYU has grabbed 40 or more rebounds in four straight games and six times overall this year. The Cougars are averaging 34.3 rebounds per game while out boarding their opponents by 1.4 rebounds per game. Mekeli Wesley pulls down a team-best 5.4 boards per game, 10th best in the MWC entering the week.
Whiting Adds Third Threat to Cougar Attack
In addition to the one-two scoring punch of Mekeli Wesley (15.6) and Terrell Lyday (15.6), BYU has another potent scorer in transfer Trent Whiting (15.2). He scored 17 points Saturday vs. SDSU and had 12 points vs. Idaho and 15 against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi last week. Saturday he extended his string of consecutive double-digit points games to nine. A transfer from Utah, he has reached double figures in each game he has played since becoming eligible to play on Dec. 16 vs. Utah State. Last week he averaged 13.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.5 blocks while shooting 61.1 percent from the floor.
Whiting, Knight Made Strong BYU Debuts
Transfer players Trent Whiting (Utah) and Nate Knight (Kentucky) made their Cougar debuts Dec. 16 vs. Utah State after sitting out the first seven games of the year because of transfer rules. Whiting scored a game-high 22 points on 7-11 shooting, including 4-7 threes, in a team-high 39 minutes in his debut while Knight made a solid contribution with five points and six rebounds in 18 minutes. Neither player had played in a game for more than a year since transferring last fall.
Team Notables from Last Week
• Last week BYU shot 48.6 percent from the floor, 38.5 percent on threes, and 75.8 percent from the line. The Cougars scored 79.5 points per game while winning by an average of 22 points in its two victories over Idaho and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. BYU was strong on the boards, averaging 43 rebounds per game.
• BYU held Texas A&M-Corpus Christi to 23 points in the first half, the Islanders record low for points scored in a half. The high-scoring Islanders (79.3 entering the game) were held under 70 points for only the second time this season.
• BYU shot 49.1 percent against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and equaled its second-highest scoring effort of the season with 84 points (also at Weber State). The Cougars pulled down a season-high 46 rebounds vs. the Islanders, the most rebounds by a Cougar team since the 1998-99 squad grabbed 47 boards vs. San Diego State in Provo on Feb. 13, 1999.
• BYU shot 47.9 percent from the floor and 44.4 percent on threes vs. Idaho. Four Cougars reached double figures. BYU held the Vandals to a BYU opponent season-low 27.3 percent field goal percentage.
• BYU outscored its opponents 93-47 (average lead of 23 points) in the first half in its wins over Idaho and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. BYU was outscored by two points overall, 66-68, in the second half. BYU averaged 46.5 points in the first 20 minutes and 33.0 in the final stanza.
BYU's record when . . .
BYU leads at half 10-2
Opponent leads at half 2-2
Score tied at half 0-0
BYU leads with 5 minutes left 11-1
Opponent leads with 5 min. left 1-3
BYU leads with 1 minute left 11-0
Opponent leads with 1 min. left 1-4
Score tied with 1 minute left 0-0
Game goes into overtime 0-0
BYU out rebounds opponent 7-0
Opponent out rebounds BYU 4-4
BYU and opponent tie in rebounds 1-0
BYU shoots 50 % or better 4-0
Opponent shoots 50 % or better 0-3
BYU out shoots opponent 12-1
Opponent out shoots BYU 0-3
BYU scores 70 or more 7-2
BYU scores less than 70 5-2
Opponent scores 70 or more 1-4
Opponent scores less than 70 11-0
Cleveland's Record
Steve Cleveland is now 55-52 overall in his fourth year, having improved the Cougars in each year since taking over a 1-25 program. With BYU's win over Idaho on Jan. 2 Cleveland went above a .500 winning percentage for the first time since going 1-0 with a win in his first game at San Diego State in 1997. He had evened his winning percentage at .500 twice this year. He went to 50-50 with a win over Boise State in Hawaii before the Cougars suffered back-to-back close defeats to ranked teams. Wins at Weber State and vs. South Alabama brought his record to 52-52 before BYU's last three wins.
Cleveland's Record in Conference Openers
After defeating SDSU Saturday, Cleveland is 3-1 in conference openers at BYU. The Cougars defeating Tulsa on the road in 1997-98 and lost at Utah in 1998-99 before last year's win at UNLV. This year BYU began league play at home for the first time under Cleveland.
Cleveland vs. UNLV
Cleveland has a 2-3 record vs. UNLV. Last year, BYU was 2-1 vs. UNLV. Overall, BYU has a 4-5 record vs. UNLV.
Wesley Moving Up Career Charts
With his 17 points against South Alabama, Wesley passed Andy Toolson (1,388) into 10th place among BYU's all-time scoring leaders. Wesley scored nine points vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi to move into ninth place, passing Jay Cheesman. With his 10 points vs. SDSU, Wesley now has 1,421 career points and needs 93 to pass Kresimir Cosic. Wesley is sixth all-time at BYU in free throw attempts with 529 and seventh in free throws made with 410. He needs to make 22 more to move past Mike Smith (431) into sixth place and is 74 attempts from passing Fred Roberts into fifth place.
Streaks
The Cougars have a 14-game home winning streak dating back to last year when the Cougars won their final five contests in the Marriott Center. BYU is 9-0 at home this season. BYU's last home loss was to New Mexico (78-74) on Feb. 17, 2000. The Cougars have a five-game winning streak that started with BYU's first road win of the season at Weber State. That win ended a two-game skid. The two losses were both single-digit defeats to nationally ranked teams. The Cougars have lost consecutive games twice this year and had back-to-back losses on three occasions last season. BYU has not lost more than two consecutive games since losing three straight in February of the 1998-99 season. BYU had another five-game winning streak earlier this year between its two sets of losses. Terrell Lyday had his string of 15 straight games with a three-pointer end at Weber State when he missed on his only attempt from behind the arc. He had a trey in BYU's first 11 games this year and the last four of last season. He holds the BYU record after making a trey in 21 consecutive games to begin last season.
BYU at Home
BYU is 9-0 at home this year after going 14-2 at home last year. The Cougars have a 14-game home winning streak. BYU is shooting 49.1 percent from the floor and 43.2 percent on threes in the Marriott Center this year. The Cougars are out rebounding their opponents at home 36.8-32.2. BYU is scoring 74.9 points at home while giving up 54.7 points. BYU has won its nine home games by an average of 20.2 points. BYU has a high of 100 points (vs. Elon College) and a low of 58 points (vs. Southern Utah).
BYU on the Road
BYU is 3-4 in away and neutral games this year, including a 2-2 neutral court record and a 1-2 away mark. The Cougars won their last away game at Weber State. BYU is shooting 42.7 percent from the floor, 29.3 percent on threes and 81.7 percent on free throws away from the Marriott Center. The Cougars are being out rebounded 33.9-31.1. BYU has a 1.7-point scoring deficit on the road while averaging 69.4 points. BYU has a high of 84 points (at Weber State) on the road and a low of 52 points (at ASU).
Wesley Earns Second MWC Player of the Week Award
COLORADO SPRINGS -- BYU senior forward Mekeli Wesley was named the Mountain West Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week Jan. 3 after leading the Cougars (10-4) to a 3-2 record over the prior two weeks. This is the second player of the week honor for Wesley this season and third weekly MWC award of his career. Wesley, a Provo, Utah (Provo HS) product, averaged 19.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, shot 54.2 percent (32-of-59) from the field and 88.6 percent (31-of-35) in five games. He was named to the Yahoo! Sports Invitational All-Tournament team after averaging 21.3 points and 5.7 rebounds, while shooting 22-of-33 (.667) from the floor and 19-of-23 (.82.6) from the line in three contests. Wesley scored 19 points and had a team-high seven rebounds in 23 minutes in the 83-67 win over Boise State. He tallied 26 points and pulled down four rebounds in the 77-71 loss to Iowa State. In the third place game, a 70-67 loss to then 13th-ranked Southern California, Wesley notched 19 points and six rebounds in 25 minutes. In the final two games of the month, Wesley continued to lead the Cougars in scoring with 17 points in each of the victories over Weber State (84-75) and South Alabama (64-42). He was also a perfect 12-for-12 from the free throw line in the two games.
Wesley Recognized for Outstanding Play
BYU senior forward Mekeli Wesley was named to the Yahoo! Sports Invitational All-Tournament Team Dec. 23 while averaging 21.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in three games. He was named the Mountain West Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week Dec. 11 after leading the Cougars to a pair of victories over Rice and Florida International. Wesley, a Provo, Utah (Provo HS) product, averaged 18.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and shot 60 percent (15-of-25) from the field in the two games that week. In the 78-50 victory over Florida International, he shot 50 percent (7-for-14) from the field and shared game-high scoring honors with 16 points. Wesley also grabbed four rebounds and had two steals vs. the Golden Panthers. On Saturday, he went 8-for-11 from the floor, including 2-for-2 from 3-point range, and led the Cougars with 21 points in the 59-49 win at Rice. Wesley also pulled down four rebounds and had two blocks. This is Wesley's first MWC player of the week honor of this season and the second of his career.
BYU Signs Two Players in the Fall
BYU Head Basketball Coach Steve Cleveland announced Nov. 16 that two players have committed to join the Cougar program beginning next season. Cleveland has received NCAA Letters-of-Intent from all-state forward/center Jared Jensen and former all-state point guard Shawn Opunui, who had previously committed to the Cougars before departing on an LDS Church mission. A 6-foot-9, 240-pound center from Plain City, Utah, Jensen is entering his senior season at Fremont High School where he scored 17 points and pulled down 10 rebounds per game as a junior. Jensen earned Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News All-State honors and Ogden Standard Examiner All-Area recognition last season while being named Team MVP of the Silver Wolves. A 4.0 student who plans to major in engineering, Jensen is a talented offensive post player who has started at Fremont High since mid-way through his freshman season. Opunui, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound point guard, previously announced his intent to play at BYU during his senior season at Orem High School. After returning from a mission, Opunui has signed to join the Cougars for the 2001-02 season. Widely regarded as the best high school point guard in Utah while at Orem High, the all-state guard scored 21.7 points per game for the Tigers while dishing out more than six assists per contest. A strong offensive player and solid defender, Opunui shot nearly 91 percent from the free throw line, third best in state history, and 40 percent on three-point attempts. His 401 assists put him on the state's top-10 all-time list.
BYU Starting Lineup (Record)
Whiting, Lyday, Hansen, Nielsen, Wesley 6-0
Montague, Lyday, Cooper, Nielsen, Wesley 5-1
Whiting, Lyday, Cooper, Wesley, Knight 0-2
Whiting, Lyday, Cooper, Nielsen, Wesley 1-0
Montague, Lyday, Cooper, Wesley, Dawes 0-1
PLAYER NOTES
Mekeli Wesley (15.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg)
Last Game: 10 points, 4 rebounds, season-high 5 assists, 1 steal in 20 minutes vs. SDSU.
• Last week Wesley did not reach double figures points in back-to-back games for the first time since his sophomore season. He averaged 8.5 points and 5 boards in the two wins.
• BYU's leading scorer at 15.6 ppg (one more point than Lyday), Wesley is averaging 13.0 at home and 19.0 on the road. Wesley has scored in double figures in 13 of BYU's 16 games. He has been the Cougars' top scorer or shared the honor in 10 games. Last year he had double figures in 30 of 33 games and led the Cougar in scoring in 17 games.
• He leads the team with 5.4 rebounds per game. He has led the team in rebounds in seven games and has 27 offensive boards and 60 defensive rebounds.
• He became this year's first repeat winner of the MWC Player of the Week award (Jan. 3) after leading BYU over the holiday two-week, five-game stretch with team bests of 19.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game while shooting 54.2 percent from the floor, 60 percent from behind the three-point arc, and 88.6 percent from the free throw line. He also handed out 1.2 assists per game during the stretch. He earned his first MWC Player of the Week honor this year on Dec. 11.
• He was named to the Yahoo! Sports Invitational All-Tournament Team Dec. 23 while averaging 21.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in three games. He was 22-33 (.667) from the floor and 19-23 (.826) from the line. He also made his only three-point attempt. He had games of 19, 26 and 19 points.
• After starting the year shooting 34.9 percent in the first four games, he shot 60.8 percent over the next seven games and is now shooting 49.1 percent for the year.
• Wesley had a string of four straight games with a three come to an end Saturday vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, missing his only attempt. He was 0-1 Saturday vs. SDSU.
• With his 17 points Saturday against South Alabama, Wesley passed Andy Toolson (1,388) into 10th place among BYU's all-time scoring leaders. Wesley scored nine points vs. TAMCC to move into ninth place, passing Jay Cheesman. Wesley scored 10 vs. SDSU and now has 1,421 career points and needs 93 to pass Kresimir Cosic. Wesley is sixth all-time at BYU in free throw attempts with 529 and seventh in free throws made with 410. He needs to make 22 more to move past Mike Smith (431) into sixth place and is 74 attempts from passing Fred Roberts into fifth place. This year Wesley has team highs of 80 FT makes and 99 attempts (.808).
WESLEY CAPSULE: A preseason All-Mountain West Conference selection, Wesley enters his senior year as the only player on the roster to have played in each of head coach Steve Cleveland's three previous seasons ... a three-year starter, he has developed into one of the top players in the Mountain West Conference with good scoring ability from both the post and the perimeter ... he earned second-team All-MWC honors as a junior and was on the WAC Newcomer Team as a freshman ... he has bulked up between his junior and senior seasons and is in the best shape of his career ... he missed part of his sophomore season while attending Salt Lake Community College for a semester and struggled to regain his freshman form ... a team captain, he returned to lead BYU in rebounding and was nine points shy of Lyday in scoring last year ... he will again be asked to provide leadership as a primary scorer and rebounder.
2000-01 BIO: Wesley had 10 points, 4 rebounds, season-high 5 assists, 1 steal in 20 minutes vs. SDSU ... 9 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 assists, 2 steals in 27 minutes vs. TAMCC ... 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks in 25 minutes vs. Idaho ... team-high 17 points with 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block in 22 minutes vs. USA ... team-high 17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal in 32 minutes vs. Weber State. ... 19 points, team-best 6 rebounds, 2 assists in 25 minutes vs. USC ... season-high 26 points with 4 rebounds in 33 minutes vs. Iowa State ... 19 points, game-high 7 rebounds in 23 minutes vs. Boise State ... came out on fire making 7-8 first half shots, including 2-3 treys, for 16 points in 20 minutes on his way to a game-high 22 points with 2 rebounds, 2 assists in 30 minutes vs. USU ... season-low 5 points, team-best 9 rebounds and two timely blocks in the closing moments in 31 total minutes vs. SUU ... named MWC Player of the Week Dec. 11 ... season-high 21 points with 4 rebounds, 2 blocks in 34 minutes vs. Rice ... 16 points, 4 rebounds, season-high 3 assists in 31 minutes vs. FIU ... team-high 11 points, 7 rebounds in 30 minutes at ASU ... a season-high 20 points and 5 rebounds, 2 assists in 32 minutes vs. USF ... recorded career highs of 12 rebounds and five blocks against UCSB while recording his fifth career double double (first of season) with 11 points ... had a team-high 19 points, 3 rebounds in 21 minutes vs. Elon College, making all five of his field goals.
Terrell Lyday (15.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg)
Last Game: team-high 24 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, career-best 2 blocks, 1 steal in 22 minutes vs. SDSU.
• Lyday was 5-6 on threes and 9-13 (.692) overall Saturday vs. SDSU. Last week he averaged 16 points while leading BYU in scoring in two home wins. He shot 50 percent from the floor and on threes while making 10-12 free throws.
• At Weber State he did not come out of the game for the first time this year while having the defensive assignment to guard Jermaine Boyette. Lyday averages 31.5 minutes on the year, second only to Trent Whiting's 32.9 minutes. They are the only two players to average more than 30 minutes per game.
• Lyday had his best week of the year in Hawaii despite two ankle sprains. He averaged 20 points, 2.7 points, 2.3 assists and 2.3 steals in three games. He scored a season-best 25 points vs. Boise State.
• He has reached double figures in 13 of 16 games this year. He has reach double figures in 43 of 49 games in his two years at BYU.
• He has made multiple threes in nine games this year. He is 8-12 in his last two games (5-6 vs. SDSU and 3-6 vs. TAMCC). Last year he made a two or more treys in 20 of 33 games.
• He has made a trey in 15 of 16 games this season. He took only one three-pointer vs. Weber State, a miss, to end his string of 15 straight games with a trey (dating back to last year), third on the BYU all-time list. He set the BYU record with a trey in the first 21 games of last year. He had made a three in each of BYU's first 11 games this year.
LYDAY CAPSULE: Lyday enters his senior season after exciting Cougar fans with a strong first season upon transferring from Fresno City College ... a preseason All-Mountain West Conference selection, he is a MWC Player of the Year candidate and considered the top guard in the league ... he was named MWC Newcomer of the Year last year ... athletic with a smooth jumper, he is a scorer who can finish inside or consistently knock down shots from the outside ... quick with good hands, he is an outstanding defender who led the MWC in steals last year ... he will be a go-to player for the Cougars in his final season.
2000-01 BIO: Lyday had a team-high 24 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, career-best 2 blocks, 1 steal in 22 minutes vs. SDSU ... team-high 19 points with 1 rebound, 1 assist in 19 minutes vs. TAMCC ... 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals in 26 minutes vs. Idaho ... 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals in team-high 32 minutes vs. USA ... 14 points, season-high 7 rebounds, 1 steal in 40 minutes at Weber State ... 17 points, 2 rebounds, season-high 4 assists in 34 minutes vs. USC ... 18 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals in 32 minutes vs. ISU ... season-highs of 25 points and four steals with 4 rebounds, 2 steals in 36 minutes vs. Boise State despite a sore ankle ... had a career-low 5 points, with 2 rebounds, 2 assists in injury -shortened (sprained right ankle) 26 minutes vs. USU ... game-high 24 points, season-high 4 rebounds, career-high 2 blocks in 39 minutes vs. SUU ... 10 points, 3 rebounds in 37 minutes vs. Rice at the Compaq Center ... 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists in 31 minutes vs. FIU ... 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists in 38 minutes at ASU ... 16 points, no rebounds, 1 assist in 39 minutes at USF ... team-high 21 points, no rebounds, 1 assist in 30 minutes vs. UCSB ... 9 points, 3 rebounds in 23 minutes vs. Elon College ... sat out the last exhibition with a muscle strain in his lower leg and played just over half vs. Elon.
Trent Whiting (15.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.2 apg)
Last Game: 17 points, 3 rebounds, equaled season-high 4 assists, in 26 minutes vs. SDSU.
• He was 5-8 on threes and 6-11 overall vs. SDSU. He has reached double figures in all nine games he has played this year since becoming eligible on Dec. 16 as a transfer from Utah. He has led the Cougars in scoring once (22 points in his debut).
• He plays a team-high 32.9 minutes per game. He is shooting 46.2 percent, 38.5 percent on threes, and 77.8 percent from the line.
• Starting in his BYU debut, Whiting hit his first three shots and made four of five threes to score 14 first half points. He made several big plays in the game. He nailed a buzzer-beating three from 30-plus range to put BYU up 41-40 to end the half. He later made a critical steal and layup to tie the game with 2:40 remaining and made two free throws in the last minute to tie the score again at 67. He was 7-11 from the floor on the night. With Lyday playing only 26 minutes because of an ankle sprain, Whiting played both guard positions, coming out for only one minute.
WHITING CAPSULE: Whiting enters his first year at BYU after transferring from Utah last year ... he was not eligible to compete until Dec. 16th against Utah State because of transfer rules ... he only played five games at Utah last year because of injury ... a NJCAA All-American at Snow College, he can play either guard position ... expected to be a key contributor, he is a gifted outside shooter with excellent range and a conditioned athlete with a strong vertical leap.
2000-01 BIO: Whiting had 17 points, 3 rebounds, equaled season-high 4 assists, in 26 minutes vs. SDSU ... 15 points, season-high 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks in 33 minutes vs. TAMCC ... 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block in 29 minutes vs. Idaho ... 13 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3 steals in season-low 29 minutes vs. USA ... 15 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal, season-high 4 assists in 33 minutes at Weber State ... 12 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist in 34 minutes vs. USC ... 12 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal in 38 minutes vs. Iowa State ... 19 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal in 35 minutes vs. Boise State ... career-high 22 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists in team-high 39 minutes vs. USU in his BYU debut.
Nathan Cooper (5.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg)
Last Game: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists in 15 minutes vs. SDSU.
• Cooper went 2-3 on threes vs. SDSU and has averaged nine points now over the last three games. He was BYU's third leading scorer last week at 9.0 ppg. He was 3-4 from the floor, including 2-3 on threes, vs. TAMCC while scoring 8 points. He was 3-5, and 1-1 on threes, while scoring 10 points vs. Idaho to reach double figures for the third time this year.
• Prior to last week, he had scoring only 1 point in the previous four games. He averaging 7 points over the first six games, but averaged only 1.6 points over the next seven.
• He has come off the bench in the last four games. He has 10 starts, including the first seven games.
• He is shooting 52.1 percent overall this year and is 8-15 on threes (.533). After being last year's top Cougar (.778) from the free throw line, he is shooting 66.7 percent (22-33) from the line this year. He has never averaged less than 74 percent (as a freshman) from the line over the course of a season.
• He is third on the team in rebounds with 65 (4.1 rpg).
COOPER CAPSULE: Cooper returns for his senior season as one of the team captains ... he is a versatile player who has a solid outside shot and a willingness to mix it up inside ... he has been considered the heart of the team because of his tough, scrappy nature and competitive desire ... he was the team's top free throw shooter last year... he has been a solid contributor in each of his first three seasons, both as a starter and off the bench.
2000-01 BIO: Cooper had 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists in 15 minutes vs. SDSU ... 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal in 14 minutes vs. TAMCC ... 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal in 21 minutes vs. Idaho ... did not score with 4 rebounds in 16 minutes vs. USA ... had 1 point in season-low 9 minutes after starting at Weber State ... did not score with 3 rebounds, 1 steal in 25 minutes vs. USC ... did not score, 3 rebounds, 1 steal in 19 minutes vs. Iowa State ... 6 points, 5 rebounds in 22 minutes vs. Boise State ... 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists in 14 minutes vs. USU ... did not score, taking only one shot, with 1 rebound, 1 steal in 18 minutes vs. SUU ... 10 points, 4 rebounds, season-high 4 assists in 29 minutes vs. Rice ... had 7 points, 7 rebounds in 21 minutes vs. FIU ... had 5 points, 5 re bounds in 19 minutes at ASU ... had 4 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists in 31 minutes at USF ... had 6 points, 6 rebounds vs. UCSB in 28 minutes ... had 10 points, 7 rebounds in 20 minutes vs. Elon College, going 3-3 from the floor, including 1-1 on threes, and 3-4 free throws.
Eric Nielsen (6.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg)
Last Game: 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal in 15 minutes vs. SDSU.
• He has averaged 2 points and 2.5 rebounds in the last two games after averaged 9.8 points and 7 rebounds over the prior four games.
• Nielsen had his first career double-double with 10 points and a career-high 13 rebounds vs. South Alabama.
• After not scoring for the first time this year vs. Iowa State, he reached double figures in three straight games for the first time in his career. He has reached double figures four times this year and is fourth on the team in scoring at 6.5 points per game.
• He returned to the starting lineup in the last five games after coming off the bench in the previous two games. He has 13 starts.
• He is 2-7 from the floor in the last two games but is shooting a team-best 57.6 percent from the floor. Last year he had the eighth best season field goal percentage in BYU history with a 57.8 percentage. His current 55.0 career percentage ranks fifth all-time at BYU among starters having made 193-351 field goals in his two-plus seasons.
NIELSEN CAPSULE: Nielsen came on strong at the end of last season and is expected to be a major contributor during his junior season ... a two-year starter, he played on the 1-25 1996-97 team and, after returning from an LDS Church mission, on last year's 22-11 NIT quarterfinalist squad ... an intelligent player with a good mid-range jumper, he returns for his junior year physically much stronger and has improved his shooting.
2000-01 BIO: Nielsen had 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal in 15 minutes vs. SDSU ... 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals in 16 minutes vs. TAMCC ... 7 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal in 16 minutes vs. Idaho ... first career double-double with 10 points and a career-high 13 rebounds, along with 2 assists in 27 minutes vs. USA ... 12 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist in 34 minutes at Weber State ... 10 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal in 20 minutes vs. USC ... no points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal in 23 minutes vs. ISU ... 2 points, no rebounds, 1 block in 15 minutes vs. BSU ... 6 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists in 21 minutes vs. USU ... season-high 15 points with 4 rebounds in 35 minutes vs. SUU ... 6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist in 19 minutes vs. Rice ... 8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists in season-high 32 minutes vs. FIU ... season highs of nine points and nine rebounds in 31 minutes at ASU ... 4 points, 2 rebounds in 8 minutes at USF, fouling out ... 3 points, 2 rebounds in 12 foul-trouble limited minutes vs. UCSB ... 8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists (matched season high from last year) in 25 minutes vs. Elon College.
Travis Hansen (6.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg)
Last Game: 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal in 20 minutes vs. SDSU.
• He returned to the starting lineup in the last four games. He has six total starts. He came off the bench in the first seven games.
• The Cougars are 6-0 when Hansen starts and 6-4 in games he came off the bench.
• Overall, he is fifth on the team in scoring with a 6.1 average.
HANSEN CAPSULE: Hansen enters his first season at BYU and should make an immediate impact ... he enrolled this fall after sitting out a redshirt season last year upon return from his LDS Church mission ... he played at Utah Valley State College as a freshman ... he is one of the most athletic players on the team ... he is a scorer who has nice range from outside and can slash to the basket effectively.
2000-01 BIO: Hansen had 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal in 20 minutes vs. SDSU ... 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal in 20 minutes vs. SDSU ... 6 points, career-high 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal in 17 minutes vs. TAMCC ... 10 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal in 18 minutes vs. Idaho ... 5 points, no rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal in 14 minutes vs. USA ... career highs of 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists in 21 minutes at Weber State ... 5 points in 16 minutes off the bench vs. USC ... career-high 9 points with 3 rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench vs. ISU ... started but did not score with 2 rebounds, 1 assist in 12 minutes vs. BSU ... started for the first time and had 2 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal in 25 minutes vs. USU ... had identical 8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 22 minutes lines vs. SUU and Rice ... 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists in 18 minutes vs. FIU ... had 8 points, 2 rebounds in 17 minutes at ASU .... he did not score and had 3 rebounds, 1 assist in 11 minutes at USF ... had 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist in 18 minutes vs. UCSB ... 4 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists in 11 minutes vs. Elon College playing with a groin injury.
Nate Knight (3.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg)
Last Game: Did not score for the first time, had 2 rebounds in 9 minutes vs. SDSU.
• He was 0-2 vs. SDSU in limited play. He was 3-4 from the floor vs. TAMCC. He is 10-22 (.455) on the year and has made 12-13 (.923) free throws.
• He averages 12.3 minutes and has two starts.
KNIGHT CAPSULE: Knight transferred to BYU from Kentucky ... he became eligible to play on Dec. 16 vs. Utah State because of transfer rules ... he previously played at Utah Valley State College and Oregon State ... he is a hard-nosed player who can create problems for opponents with his ability to run the floor and post up ... he is primarily a power forward but could also play at center ... provides experience and depth to Cougar front line ... his brother Shane played for BYU and brother Travis currently plays in the NBA after a college career at Connecticut.
2000-01 BIO: Knight did not score for the first time and had 2 rebounds in 9 minutes vs. SDSU ... tied a season-high 6 points with 2 rebounds and 1 assist in 12 minutes vs. TAMCC ... 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 block in 8 minutes vs. Idaho ... 3 points, 2 rebound, 1 assist in 10 minutes vs. USA ... 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 block in 6 minutes at Weber State ... started and had 2 points (2-2 FTs), 2 rebounds in 15 minutes vs. USC ... got first start, equaled season-best 6 points with 5 rebounds, 1 block in 21 minutes ... season-high 6 points with 4 rebounds in 12 minutes vs. BSU ... 5 points, 6 rebounds in 18 minutes vs. USU in his BYU debut.
Matt Montague (3.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 4.4 apg)
Last Game: 3 assists, 1 steal in 15 minutes vs. SDSU.
• He took only one shot, a missed trey, and had no rebounds or points for the second time this year in 15 minutes vs. SDSU. He has not scored in nine games overall.
• He has a team-best 70 assists (Wesley is next with 26).
•He started the first seven games but has come off the bench since Trent Whiting made his BYU debut vs. Utah State. He is still fourth in minutes played per game at 24.9 (behind Whiting, Lyday and Wesley).
• He started the year making his first eight shots, including 5-5 on threes, but is 1-15 from the floor in the last 10 games. He is still shooting 45.2 percent overall from the floor and on treys attempts (6-14), doubling the number of treys he made all of last year (3-12).
MONTAGUE CAPSULE: Montague enters his junior season as the top assist maker on the Cougar roster ... he led the team in assists last year while starting 19 of 33 games ... prior to serving his LDS Church mission, he led the 1996-97 Cougars in assists while starting every game ... a hard-nosed competitor, he sees the floor well and is a great transition passer ... he was slowed some by an achilles injury last year and wasn't able to participate in preseason conditioning fully because of a flair up of the injury.
2000-01 BIO: Montague had 3 assists, 1 steal in 15 minutes vs. SDSU ... 2 points, season-highs of 6 rebounds and 9 assists with 2 steals in 25 minutes vs. TAMCC ... did not score, 1 rebound, game-high 3 assists, 1 steal in 17 minutes vs Idaho ... did not score, 2 rebounds, game-high 7 assists, 2 steals in 30 minutes vs USA ... 7 points, 2 rebounds, game-high 5 assists, 1 steal in 18 minutes at Weber State ... his lone steal vs. WSU was taken from WSU star Jermaine Boyette and set up a Travis Hansen hammer dunk to finally pull BYU even at 46-46. BYU did not trail the rest of the way ... did not score and only took two shots (both threes) in three games at the Yahoo! Sports Invitational ... played 11 minutes with 2 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal vs. USC, 12 minutes with 2 assists, 2 rebounds vs. ISU, and 30 minutes with 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal and his first-ever block vs. BSU ... did not score (0-1) with 1 assist, 1 steal in season-low 10 minutes vs. USU ... was 0-3 from the floor with 4 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, career-high 5 steals in 34 minutes vs. SUU ... shot 0-4 and did not score with 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals in 40 minutes vs. Rice ... 8 points, 3 rebounds, season-low 2 assists vs. FIU ... did not score and had 3 rebounds, 3 assists in 28 minutes at ASU ... made his first eight shots of the year over three games, including 5-5 on threes ... had a season-high 12 points with 2 rebounds, 6 assists in 34 minutes at USF ... 9 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists in 33 minutes vs. UCSB ... 6 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists in team-high 30 minutes vs. Elon College, going 2-2 from the floor, both three pointers, marking the first time he has made two treys in a game during his career at BYU ... also had 8 assist and no turnovers and with game-best 3 steals.
Daniel Bobik (4.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg)
Last Game: Did not score with 4 rebounds, 2 assists in 15 minutes vs. SDSU.
• He did not shoot well vs. SDSU, going 0-6, including 0-5 on treys. He has averaged 7.3 points over the three prior games.
• He played double-digit minutes in the last three games. He had played 9 or less minutes in the prior eight games since playing a season-high 20 minutes vs. Florida International.
BOBIK CAPSULE: Bobik has enrolled at BYU for his freshman season after returning from an LDS Church mission to the Dominican Republic ... he was one of the first recruits to sign with BYU under Steve Cleveland ... he is an excellent shooter and good passer with good court awareness who could play either guard position ... he has worked with a personal trainer since returning from his two-year mission to prepare for the season.
2000-01 BIO: Bobik did not score with 4 rebounds, 2 assists in 15 minutes vs. SDSU ... 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals in 12 minutes vs. TAMCC ... 6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal in 17 minutes vs. Idaho ... 5 points, 1 steal in 7 minutes vs. USA ... did not play vs. Weber State or USC ... played only 1 minute vs. ISU ... 4 points (4-4 FTs), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal in 8 minutes vs. BSU ... played 3 minutes vs. USU ... was 0-1 (a trey attempt) with 1 rebound, 1 assists, 1 steal in 9 minutes vs. SUU ... 0-1 (trey attempt) with 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal in 5 minutes v. Rice ... 9 points, 3 rebounds, season-high 3 assists in 20 minutes vs. FIU ... 3 points, 3 rebounds in 16 minutes at ASU ... 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists in 12 minutes at USF ... 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist in 9 minutes vs. UCSB ... 16 points, 1 rebound, 1 assists in 19 minutes in his college debut vs. Elon College and was 5-10 from the floor and 4-4 from the line. He had three more field goal attempts than the next closest Cougar (Terrell Lyday with 7) ... started against EA Sports (Exhibition) in place of injured Terrell Lyday and had 13 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists ... had 17 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists off the bench vs. Team Reebok.
Jacob Chrisman (4.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg)
Last Game: 4 points, career-high 8 rebounds with 1 assist, in 20 minutes vs. SDSU.
• He has achieved a new career high in rebounds in each of the past two games. He has scored in 14 of the 15 games he has played (except SUU). He has had a rebound in 13 of 15 games played (except Rice and SUU).
• He did not play for the only time this year vs. ISU.
• He was 2-2 vs. SDSU and is now 22-39 (.564) on field goals this year.
CHRISMAN CAPSULE: Chrisman could be a significant contributor in his freshman season ... he is extremely mobile and a strong rebounder ... he is an athletic low post player who can score in multiple ways ... he has developed a nice perimeter game ... a hard worker, he has a knack for the game and finds a way to make plays both on offense and defense ... a slasher-type player who has a nice shooting touch ... he will be primarily a three but could also play some four for the Cougars.
2000-01 BIO: Chrisman had 4 points, career-high 8 rebounds with 1 assist, in 20 minutes vs. SDSU ... 4 points, career-high 6 rebounds with 1 assist, 1 block in 20 minutes vs. TAMCC ... 2 points, 3 rebounds in 11 minutes vs. Idaho ... 2 points, 2 rebounds in 8 minutes vs. USA ... 4 points, 1 rebound in 7 minutes at Weber State ... 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist in 11 minutes vs. USC ... did not play for the first time vs. ISU ... 2 points (2-2 FTs), 2 rebounds in 7 minutes vs. BSU ... 3 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist in 10 minutes vs USU ... did not score or grab a rebound in season-low 5 minutes vs. SUU ... had 2 points and no rebounds in 8 minutes vs. Rice ... 7 points, 4 rebounds in 11 minutes vs. FIU ... 5 points, 3 rebounds in 12 minutes at ASU ... 7 points, 4 rebounds in 15 minutes at USF ... 4 points, 1 block, 1 steal in 23 minutes vs. UCSB ... 15 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal, 1 assist in 20 minutes in his college debut vs. Elon College.
Derek Dawes (1.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg)
Last Game: 1 rebound, 1 steal in 6 minutes vs. SDSU.
• He was 0-1 vs. SDSU. He has taken seven shots in the last 11 games in which he has played (appeared in 13 of 16 games). He is 6-14 on the year from the field.
• He averages 2.5 rebounds in 5.8 minutes per game.
DAWES CAPSULE: Dawes enters his first year of college basketball as one of the most sought-after centers in the West ... he is an active player who runs the floor well and is a good free throw shooter ... he has outstanding shot blocking ability with great timing and good athleticism and size.
2000-01 BIO: Dawes had 1 rebound, 1 steal in 6 minutes vs. SDSU ... 2 points, 2 rebounds in 3 minutes vs. TAMCC ... 3 points, 3 rebounds in 6 minutes vs. Idaho ... 2 points, 2 rebounds in 2 minutes vs. USA ... did not play at Weber State ... did not score with 3 rebounds, 1 block in 8 minutes vs. USC ... 2 rebounds in 3 minutes vs. ISU ... did not play vs. BSU ... 1 rebound in 4 minutes vs. USU ... 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block in 7 minutes vs. SUU ... he gave a nice contribution vs. Rice despite playing only six minutes. After making a block he came down the court and knocked down a long jumper on his only attempt. He also grabbed three boards (2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block in 6 minutes vs. Rice in Houston) ... did not play vs. FIU ... started at ASU and did not score with 2 blocks, 1 rebound in 6 minutes ... 1 point, 1 rebound in 6 minutes at USF ... 3 points, 4 rebounds in 7 minutes vs. UCSB ... 6 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block in 12 minutes vs. Elon College in his college debut.
Dan Howard (1.5 ppg, 0.9 rpg)
Last Game: 2 points, season-high 3 rebounds in 10 minutes vs. SDSU.
• He has played in three of the last four games but only eight games overall.
• He is 5-7 from both the floor and 2-2 from the line this year. Last year he was 3-3 from the floor before being forced to redshirt with a knee injury.
HOWARD CAPSULE: Howard played four games last year but redshirted after having knee surgery ... he has not had any significant game experience since last playing for his high school team in 1996 ... a hard worker, he has a knack for the ball and could be a factor in his freshman year with his size inside.
2000-01 BIO: Howard had 2 points, season-high 3 rebounds in 10 minutes vs. SDSU ... did not play vs. TAMCC ... had 2 points, 1 rebound in 2 minutes vs. Idaho ... 1 block in 1 minute vs. USA ... did not play at Weber State ... played only 1 minute vs. USC, committing a foul ... did not play in the previous five games ... sat out Rice game with knee injury ... 2 points in 4 minutes vs. FIU ... had 2 rebounds in 2 minutes at ASU ... fouled out with 4 points, no rebounds, 1 block after playing a season-high 12 minutes at USF with Eric Nielsen in foul trouble and USF putting a 7-footer on the court ... did not play vs. UCSB ... had 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 block in 5 minutes vs. Elon College.
Ty Shippen (1.0 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.6 apg)
Last Game: 3 points, 3 rebounds in 4 minutes vs. SDSU.
• He hit the three vs. SDSU that tied the BYU team record for 13 treys in a game.
• He has played 19 minutes in seven games. After averaging 5 minutes in BYU's first two home wins, he has played nine total minutes since.
SHIPPEN CAPSULE: Shippen joins the Cougars as a walk-on after transferring from Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho ... he is a gifted shooter and can play either guard position ... he is married to the former Kaly Gillette, who plays on the BYU women's basketball team ... he is the younger brother of BYU women's basketball coach Trent
Shippen ... he served an LDS Church mission to North Carolina.
2000-01 BIO: Shippen had 3 points, 3 rebounds in 4 minutes vs. SDSU ... played 1 minute vs. TAMCC and vs. USA .. had 1 assist in 1 minute at ASU ... played only two minutes with one turnover vs. UCSB ... had 4 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists in 8 minutes vs. Elon College.
Jordan Archibald (0.2 ppg, 0.2 apg)
Last Game: Played three minutes vs. SDSU.
• He missed his only shot in limited play vs. SDSU. He has only played 13 minutes this year, six in the season opener vs. Elon College.
ARCHIBALD CAPSULE: Archibald redshirted last year and returns for his freshman season ... he has good size and is a good shooter ... he suffered a broken hand during the off-season and his preseason skill development and conditioning opportunities were further limited due to a fall groin pull.
2000-01 BIO: Archibald played three minutes vs. SDSU and one minute vs. TAMCC, Idaho and USA ... had 1 point, 1 assist in 6 minutes vs. Elon College.
Vranes out for the Year
Two-year starting guard Michael Vranes will miss the entire season after a foot injury required two fall surgeries. Vranes played both the point and wing for the Cougars and was the third leading scorer last season and the team's best defender on the perimeter.
Injuries Play Role as Three Players Plan to Redshirt the 2000-01 Season
BYU Head Basketball Coach Steve Cleveland announced Nov. 17 that three players on this year's team - Garner Meads, Jesse Pinegar and Bart Jepsen - plan to redshirt during the 2000-01 season. Meads and Pinegar are both freshmen members of last year's top-20 recruiting class while Jepsen is a sophomore who returned from an LDS Church mission this summer. All three players have experienced injuries that have factored into the decision to redshirt. Meads, a McDonald's High School All-American forward, has had multiple injuries impede his ability to practice. A knee surgery limited his basketball until late summer and a lung injury sustained in only the team's fifth practice has kept the 6-foot-8 forward from any physical activity for the past month. "After meeting with Garner and his family we have determined it is in his best interest to redshirt this season," Cleveland said. "He has not been able to condition because of his lung injury and has also missed nearly all of our practices. He plans to leave on his mission in February, which means he will not enroll in school for the Winter semester." Pinegar, who was a high school teammate of Meads' at Salt Lake City's Brighton High School, suffered a stress fracture in his left foot last week and has a sesmoid (inflamed bone) problem on his right foot. While he will be able to condition and lift weights, the 6-foot-9 forward will not be able to jump and practice for 4-6 weeks. A 6-foot-9 forward, Jepsen has planned on redshirting this year since returning from his mission this summer. While serving his two-year mission, he sustained a broken leg.