By Mike Miller
Women’s gymnastics and men’s volleyball started this week, and while the results might not have been what the Cougars wanted, it is good to have more sports to watch in Provo. Basketball continues to chug along, and more spring sports are on the horizon.
Men’s Basketball
After COVID reared its ugly head, WCC play finally began as BYU dismantled Pacific 73-51 in Provo on Thursday. The Cougars then improved to 2-0 in the conference with a 52-43 home win over Saint Mary’s. Despite only making one three-pointer on the night, BYU held Saint Mary’s to just 29.3 percent from the floor, enough to create a cushion despite the Cougars’ scoring woes.
Next Up: BYU has two massive road games against WCC teams projected to be in the NCAA Tournament. Today, the Cougars visit No. 2 Gonzaga. Because No. 1 Baylor lost earlier today (Tuesday the 11th), the Zags are effectively the top team in the country. The game starts at 9:00 p.m. MST on ESPN2. On Saturday, BYU heads south to face San Francisco. Also at 9:00 p.m. MST, that contest will be on CBS Sports Network.
Women’s Basketball
The ladies are also 2-0 in WCC play with a pair of wins last Thursday and Saturday. First, the Cougars went to San Francisco and took care of business with a 76-64 victory. Back at home later in the week, BYU dismantled Pacific 94-68. The Cougars’strong 12-1 season has been recognized with the No. 18 ranking nationally.
Next Up: Saint Mary’s is back in town today, but this time for the women. The game starts at 7:00 p.m. MST on BYUtv. On Saturday, the Cougars travel to LMU at 3:00 p.m. MST.
Women’s Gymnastics
No. 19 BYU opened their season in the Rio Tinto Best of Utah Meet last Friday at the Maverick Center. Despite nine gymnasts out for the meet, the Cougars posted a respectable 195.225, good for third place. No. 4 Utah finished first with a 197.100, while No. 26 Utah State took second on 195.875 points. No. 25 Southern Utah rounded out the competition with a 195.000.
Next Up: This Saturday BYU visits No. 32 Nebraska for a head-to-head showdown. The meet starts at 5:30 p.m. MST.
Men’s Volleyball
The season opened with a pair of disappointing games for No. 6 BYU, last year’s national runners-up. They were swept twice by No. 5 Penn State in Pennsylvania. As a result, the Cougars slipped to No. 7 in the coaches poll.
Next Up: BYU has a week off before welcoming No. 15 UC Irvine to the Smith Fieldhouse next Friday and Saturday. Both games will be at 7:00 p.m. MST.
Featured image courtesy Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News