Lesson learned: Y., USU are good

What did we learn about the Aggies and Cougars from Saturday's intense hoop throw down in the EnergySolutions Arena?

Well, both are going to win a lot of games.

BYU defeated USU 68-63 and led almost the entire game. But it would have been nice to see what Stew Morrill would have done if the Aggies had ever grasped the lead in the final minute of play. USU was a few failed possessions from actually doing that and controlled the pace of play.

In the end, BYU's opportunistic defense and flush 3-point shooting ruled.

Dave Rose and Morrill are outstanding pilots. That made this game entertaining as each continually adjusted, got after officials, and pegged weaknesses in one another's squad.

This was the first time each hadn't punched a cupcake. The game had the heat of a league title game, and, in the doing, Rose and Morrill discovered much about their squads.

BYU doubled down on USU's post guys, then picked off a lot of passes and dribbles. The Aggies pounded away inside at the Cougars, exposing a soft belly that required Chris Miles and his backups to deploy nine fouls.

BYU learned it can mine ways to win when Lee Cummard disappeared for the night (2-for-9 shooting, six points and one rebound) before fouling out with just over two minutes left. This week at Weber State, he scored 30 and shot a sizzling 12 of 13.

The Aggies learned they're vulnerable when passing turns sloppy.

BYU learned it must rebound better against quality big men like Gary Wilkinson and Tai Wesley. USU dominated the Cougars on the boards 39-29, with a 14-7-advantage in offensive rebounds.

USU, a 56-percent shooting team coming in, shot just 40 percent when up against a solid, ball-hawking BYU defense that got 12 steals, nine combined from Jackson Emery and Jonathan Tavernari.

BYU discovered missed free throws (16-for-24) can keep good opponents in the game, especially in the closing minutes.

The Aggies proved they can control the tempo with a team like the Cougars, who came in averaging a lofty 81 a game.

While both sides drew great fan support, we learned the Aggies can transfer their legendary spirit of the Spectrum home court.