BYU Basketball: 2019-20 keys for Cougars to defeat San Diego State

RENO, NV - NOVEMBER 06: TJ Haws #30 of the Brigham Young Cougars has a talk with a referee during the game between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the Brigham Young Cougars at Lawlor Events Center on November 6, 2018 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 09: Jake Toolson #2 of the Utah Valley Wolverines shoots against Keonta Vernon #24 of the Grand Canyon Lopes during a semifinal game of the Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 9, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

2. Jake Toolson going for 15+ points

While TJ Haws tying the team lead with 17 points is no surprise (although it seems like the recent minor knee surgery isn’t an issue going forward), Alex Barcello going for 17 as well was a very nice boost to have. The Arizona transfer guard didn’t do much in the past couple of seasons so it wasn’t clear the kind of impact Barcello would have. But until he does it against a legit foe, I won’t expect 15+ from him each night.

Who I do expect it from is the reigning WAC Player of the Year Jake Toolson, who averaged 15.7 ppg at Utah Valley. With Childs and Baxter out of the picture, he’ll be needed to produce at the same level to keep them in the game. Toolson wasn’t needed in the first game but only managed to put up seven points on 3/9 shooting. He did affect the game in other positive ways, including five rebounds and a team-leading four assists.

It’s important for BYU to utilize Toolson early on to take some pressure off of Haws on offense. A slow start by him could allow San Diego State to take the early lead and dictate the game. He shot 45% from deep last season as well so just the threat of him launching the ball will be sorely needed to space the floor and give the Cougars some kind of offsetting advantage themselves.