by Mike Miller
Men’s basketball faltered while women’s basketball and men’s volleyball extended their winning streaks. The upcoming week features several huge games with conference title implications.
Men’s Basketball
Faced with two California road games, the men crumpled in both, falling to 17-6 on the season. Last Thursday, a late turnover and lane violation set the stage for a Santa Clara buzzer beater, knocking off BYU 77-76. Saturday’s game was not any better as Pacific picked up just their sixth win of the season, beating BYU 76-73. The Cougars trailed for most of the game, with a late rally coming up short.
Next Up: While the Cougars will be back home this week, the schedule is even tougher with two likely NCAA Tournament teams in town. On Thursday, San Francisco visits at 8:00 p.m. MST. That game is on CBS Sports Network. BYU welcomes No. 2 Gonzaga Saturday on ESPN. That game also tips at 8:00 p.m. MST, with camping for BYU students that has started as early as Thursday night.
Wonen’s Basketball
The ladies have cemented themselves as the best team on campus this semester, moving to 18-1 with three more dominating conference wins (all at home). On Monday, they dispatched San Diego for the second time in three days by a score of 70-48. On Thursday, Santa Clara faced the juggernaut, losing 76-44. San Francisco received the worst of BYU’s onslaught last Saturday, losing by 41 points in a 99-58 loss. Three Cougars scored in double figures, led by Paisley Harding’s 30 points.
Next Up: Two tough road games await No. 16 BYU. On Thursday, they visit Portland at 4:00 p.m. MST, with the game found on the WCC Network. Saturday, the Cougars head to Spokane, facing a team that also hasn’t lost in conference. The game starts at 1:00 p.m. MST on the WCC Network.
Gymnastics
The gymnasts were finally at home, and they enjoyed their comfortable surroundings with a 196.775-196.450 win over Utah State. Sadie Miner-Van Tassel grabbed another All-Around title this season with a 39.425.
Next Up: No. 21 BYU stays home again this week, welcoming Boise State to the Smith Fieldhouse. The meet starts at 12:00 p.m. MST on BYUtv.
Men’s Volleyball
BYU extended their winning streak to four games and stayed undefeated at home with two wins over the University of Mount Olive. On Thursday, they won a five-set thriller, which was marred by a left ankle sprain to outside hitter David Gardini. He did not return to the match, also missing Saturday’s game. The team was paced by freshman Miks Ramanias, who had 23 kills. Saturday, the Cougars were much more comfortable, handling the match with a 3-1 victory.
Next Up: No. 10 Ball State comes to town this week, with No. 9 BYU hopping to improve to 6-0 at home. Friday’s match is at 8:00 p.m. MST, followed by a game Saturday at 7:00 p.m. MST. Both contests can be found on BYUtv.
Other Sports to Track
A variety of other sports are in action, and while fans may find their abilities to watch and find results may be limited, those near campus can watch the women’s tennis team at BYU’s Indoor Tennis Courts.
The men’s and women’s dive teams travel to Colorado Springs for the Air Force Invite Thursday-Saturday.
Women’s golf spends next Monday and Tuesday in Kyle, Texas at the Texas State Invitational.
Women’s tennis welcomes Boise State this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. MST, followed by Dixie State at 4:00 p.m. MST.
The men’s and women’s track and field teams will be split between three different invitationals this weekend. Some athletes will be in Spokane, Washington for the WSU Open & Invite. Others will be at the Dr. Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge in New York City. The last group will be closer to home, participating in the Weber State Indoor Invitational in Ogden.
Featured image courtesy Matthew Norton, BYU photo