Dynamic duo provides BYU solid one-two punch

They're the backbone of BYU's run to a possible 45th straight win at home when the Cougars host Utah Wednesday night in the Marriott Center.

Trent Plaisted — a sleek jumper, tough rebounder, who can slash and score with either hand.

Lee Cummard — a utility offensive weapon with extended range, a solid passer, rebounder and one of the best defenders in the league.

They're a twosome fit into a snug scabbard for BYU coach Dave Rose. After 25 games, 1,435 combined minutes, they've both scored exactly 403 points. They're ultimate captains on a squad that leads the league in assists.

And, they've weathered their share of criticism to lift BYU into first place. Cummard is the target of barbs on road trips where partisan fans tease him over his lanky nine-iron build, calling him Skeletor or offering to buy him a hotdog. He plugs on.

Plaisted, whose wife was involved in a DUI stop in Springville late last year, four hours after taking pain medication for a torn ACL, endured "DUI, DUI" chants at the Huntsman Center whenever he touched the ball last month.

Folks make fun of his free-throw struggles. Sick most of January, Plaisted was named the league's co-player of the week on Monday for his work against UNLV and CSU. It was his third such honor this season.

The duo shrugs off such lampoon fodder; they practically thrive on it.

Rose is lucky to deploy this pair.

This week, his two juniors are No. 1 and 2 in the league standings in offensive rebounding. Plaisted is first with a 2.40 average, Cummard ranks second at 2.16 per game.

Ditto for leadership atop the league's field goal shooting. Cummard ranks No. 1 in the MWC in shooting with a .573 accuracy (149-of-260) and Plaisted is second at .551 (152-of-276).

They are tied for third in the league's scoring race behind CSU's Marcus Walker, who some say has the "greenest light" of anyone in the conference, and Wyoming pack mule guard Brandon Ewing.

While Cummard has been BYU's most consistent player, perhaps one of the more versatile in the league, Plaisted has battled through challenges at the foul line, his worst a 1-for-10 scratch at UNLV back on Jan. 15.

But Plaisted appears to have found confidence in that free shot of late. After averaging 21.75 points a game the past four outings, Plaisted's free-throw shooting has climbed to .657 after a .511 accuracy back on Jan. 23.