BYU basketball: Cougars excited to open MWC against Rebels

PROVO — BYU coach Dave Rose loves this time of year.

His Cougars open Mountain West Conference play Wednesday (8 p.m., The mtn.) at home against UNLV and he can't wait.

While BYU (14-1) didn't need to be at full strength for Saturday's 95-49 triumph over Division II opponent Eastern New Mexico, the Cougars will need the services of guards Jimmer Fredette and Jackson Emery when the Rebels come to town.

Fredette (flu-like symptoms) and Emery (bruised heel) sat out of Saturday's victory and Rose is hoping both will be back Wednesday.

Before Saturday's game, Rose talked to the trainers about the status of his two star players and decided to hold both out of action.

"Jimmer is feeling better," Rose said, "but it would have set him back for Monday's practice," when the Cougars begin preparing in earnest for UNLV (12-2).

Emery, who suffered the injury in BYU's 30-point win over Arizona on Monday, opted to rest in order to be ready for Monday. "We'll have to see how long it takes him to recover," Rose said of Emery.

After Saturday's game, Rose said he is eager for conference play.

"This is a great time of the year," he said. "You see all the preseason games and see what all our league opponents have. What comes next is even better, so we're excited."

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