BYU basketball: Pilots can't handle hot, undefeated Cougars

PROVO — Shooting the long ball and scoring in transition have been the two steadies for the BYU Cougars this season in keeping their perfect record intact.

In gliding past Portland 91-76 Saturday night at the Marriott Center, the Cougars needed both of those strengths to hold off the pesky and much-improved Pilots. The victory puts the Cougars 10-0 on the season and extends their home winning streak to 53 straight games.

"We shot the ball well, we shared the ball well, took good shots and defensively we for the most part were pretty good," Cougar coach Dave Rose said.

The Cougars were able to shake the Pilots thanks to four key stretches. Early on it was junior center Chris Miles who guided BYU out to a 22-14 lead. Then, after the Pilots took a 29-28 lead, a 15-7 run to end the first half put the Cougars in charge for good. During that run seven different Cougars scored.

Jonathan Tavernari's three quick 3-pointers to open the second half got the Cougars started on a 12-6 run that gave them some breathing room. Then, about midway through the second half when the Cougars were in foul trouble and starters Jackson Emery and Lee Cummard where on the bench, Jimmer Fredette scored seven straight that seemed to put the dagger in Portland.

"There was a time where I thought (Tavernari) kind of carried us for a few minutes offensively. There was another time when we kind of had a mixed lineup in there where Jimmer took over and made some shots for us, and that's a good sign for your team," Rose said.

All five Cougars starters scored in double figures. Tavernari led the way with a game-high 25 points. Fredette chipped in 17, Miles and Cummard scored a dozen each and Emery threw in 10.

In the first half BYU shot a blistering 70 percent from the floor and 50 percent from 3-point range. For the game the Cougars hit 62 percent of their shots and made 8-of-18 3-pointers.

"Easy baskets are key when you're trying to score from all phases," Rose said. "When you can get some easy baskets it really helps your energy."

Portland challenged the Cougars early by turning the game into a half-court contest, scoring on a variety of penetration plays, strong outside shooting and a powerful post game. Guards Nic Ravio and Jared Stohl led the Pilots with 18 and 14 points respectively, while centers Robin Smeulders and Kramer Knutson combined for 25 more.

"They run a really good half-court offense and they have really good shooters," Rose said.