BYU had its biggest test of its trip to Greece as the Cougars took on the Greek National Team on Tuesday in the Arcopolis of Athens Tournament. Despite 20 points from Stephen Rogers and a double-double by Charles Abouo, BYU fell 83-54 to No. 7 ranked (FIBA World Rankings) Greece.
Rogers drained three 3-pointers and added four boards and three steals to lead the Cougars while Abouo battled inside for most of his 16 points. Abouo was relentless on the boards as he collected 15 (unofficially), including eight on the offensive glass.
The Cougars got off to a quick start as Rogers scored six points early, including a four-point play, to give BYU an 8-4 lead. The Cougars led 12-10 on a layup by Rogers before Greece took over and led 28-12 at the end of the first quarter.
Brock Zylstra came alive in the second quarter as he scored six of BYU’s first eight points to make the score 39-20, Greece. Rogers followed with a three to cut the lead to 16 at 39-23. Greece used its size to take over the end of the quarter and took a 52-26 lead into the half.
BYU stepped it up defensively in the third quarter as the Cougars outscored Greece 12-7. Noah Hartsock started the second half with a baseline jumper and a Zylstra layup and two free throws by Rogers made it a 6-0 run. Abouo was strong on the glass as he scored on a second chance opportunity and Hartsock added a nice finish inside for BYU.
Josh Sharp scored BYU’s first points of the fourth with a three from the right elbow. Damarcus Harrison scored three points on free throws and Rogers and Abouo scored a handful more points. It was the best offensive quarter of the game as BYU scored 16 points.
The Cougars play the Italian National Team tomorrow at 9:45 a.m. MT. The game will be broadcast live on www.ert.gr.