From Deseret News archives:

BYU basketball: This Marriott a heartbreak hotel

Guests usually check out of Cougars' home with losses

Published: Friday, Feb. 29, 2008 12:17 a.m. MST
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Wyoming coach Heath Schroyer, a former BYU assistant, recalls a time, a decade ago, when the Cougars were struggling and the Marriott Center wasn't an imposing place at all.

"When (BYU) coach (Dave) Rose and I were together when we first went to BYU, I can remember 3,000 people in the stands," he said, chuckling at the memory. "I think where that program is at now, it's remarkable. Dave has taken it to another level. You walk in there and see 18,000-20,000 people a night.

"The student section is the best in the conference by far. They're into it. BYU plays with a lot of confidence at home. They shoot the ball very well, and how could you not when you have that kind of winning streak? It's a combination of very good players, very good coaching and a great atmosphere."

"They've got a great crowd. And yet it starts with the fact they've had very good teams," said UNLV coach Lon Kruger. "Coach Rose does a terrific job. They play with great energy, they're always well-organized and they always play really hard. Combine all that quality preparation with an outstanding environment provided by the crowd and it makes for the ideal homecourt. They've had great success."

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"They have great fans, it's a loud building, they get great attendance," said Air Force coach Jeff Reynolds. "They have a lot of confidence in that building."


E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com

Recent comments

Seriously? Seriously? Dave Rose can't stand to play the Aggies in the...

BYU Fan's | Oct. 30, 2008 at 11:45 p.m.

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STEELYBBG | March 4, 2008 at 1:00 a.m.

oooh Great comeback. Pitiful.

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Image

Vocal BYU fans pack the Marriott Center during the recent UNLV game. The arena is a safe haven for the Cougars and unfriendly territory for opponents.

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