Led by Elijah Bryant’s 22 points and seven rebounds, the Cougars pulled off an impressive road victory against the defending Ivy League champions in a game that prior BYU teams would not have won. Here is a quick recap and a few takeaways from the game.
From the very beginning, the refs were calling this game between BYU and Princeton tight, sending both teams to the free throw line throughout the game. For two teams that are perimeter oriented, the flow came to a screeching halt, which affected both offenses.
After a back and forth first half, the game was tied at halftime, with neither team having a distinct advantage.
The second half was mainly about runs, with BYU basketball (2-0) going on one before the Tigers quickly responded. It seemed that the Tide was turning to Princeton’s (0-2) favor when starting point guard TJ Haws picked up his fourth foul with nearly 12 minutes to go, but Bryant, along with backup point guard Jahshire Hardnett, kept things afloat.
The turning moment came after a Bryant bucket which resulted in Princeton head coaches frustration and double technical which became a seven-point play. The Tigers could never fully recover, and BYU picked up their second victory.
BYU can with do without Yoeli Childs
Childs wasn’t out of the game physically, as he played 39 out of 40 minutes and grabbed a game-high 11 boards. Offensively he was taken out of the game by the Tigers, who demanded another player beat them. Last season, the Cougars struggled mightily to play well when star big man Eric Mika was off. Childs only had eight points, but his presence alone created more opportunities for his teammates.
Princeton will lose plenty of games if the guards struggle
This was similar to the Butler game just a few days ago, only this time the guards struggled to put up points. Devin Cannady had a very good game with 19 points in all minutes played. Myles Stephens and Amir Bell combined for just 12 points of 5-23 (0-4 from three) shooting.
BYU has certainly improved on the defensive end, but they’re no West Virginia. 56 points at home is not going to cut it. Last season it was a balanced effort that won the Ivy League conference championship for the Tigers, and, unless they get help from the other players, it’s unlikely that they’ll compete this year.
Elijah Bryant is comfortable in his role
Health problems with his knee certainly played a role as to why he struggled last year, but an undefined role also played into it. In his freshman year at Elon, Bryant was the primary ball-handler and had an enormously high usage rate, meaning that he was responsible for most of the offense.
His first year at BYU, he played more off the ball at the wing, which severely affected his shooting and the offense as a whole. With an offense that suits him much better, as well as Nick Emery’s absence to free him up, he can play all three positions and have the ball more in his hands. He’s an effective play-maker when given the opportunity and the first few games have shown it so far.
Next: Yoeli Childs key to WCC run
The Cougars will come back home to face another team they will struggle against — an athletic Texas-Arlington team. We’ll see if the improved defense and additional assets will continue the positive momentum. As for Princeton, the need for more help will determine the kind of season they have, as well of how good a win this will ultimately be for Dave Rose and the team.