BYU vs. USU: report card

LOGAN — The game looked to be a close one until the Aggies pulled away in the second half to finish off the Cougars by a score of 69-62. It was a tough match-up for the Cougars, taking on the Aggies on the road.

Grades are in for each position group.

Center Play: D+

Brandon Davies struggled to get anything going throughout the night, as did Chris Collinsworth. Both players got into early foul trouble, which limited their respective impacts during the first half and into the second half.

Davies, who is generally regarded as BYU's best all-around player, was limited to just 13 points on 4-10 shooting with six of those points coming late in the game, after the Aggies had built a double-digit lead. He also struggled from the line, missing the front end of too many one-and-one opportunities and finished going 5-9 from the stripe.

Collinsworth was a non-factor, only logging five minutes on the night without playing a major factor. He ended the night with a scoreless effort.

BYU did defend the post well, for the most part, with the Aggies doing most of their damage on the perimeter and on fast-break opportunities. Nate Austin provided some good play in the first half, spelling Davies after he went to the bench with two fouls.

Forwards: B

BYU saw its best play from the forward position with senior Noah Hartsock leading the way. He was able to keep BYU in the game until late with his play, tallying 18 points.

Stephen Rodgers hit some shots early but disappeared for much of the second half, finishing with seven points while going 0-4 from the three-point line.

Josh Sharp came into the game and provided some good energy late in the second half, but like Rodgers didn't make much of an impact during the second.

True freshman DaMarcus Harrison only played four minutes and was a non-factor.

Guards: C

Senior Charles Abouo had a productive game, finishing with 16 points and three assists while accounting for all three of BYU's three-point baskets. He was tenacious on the defensive side of the ball, but he could have used a lot more help from his backcourt teammates.

Turnovers were again a problem as Brock Zylstra gave up the ball five times as he struggled to get the Cougars into a good offensive flow for long periods during the game. Point guard isn't his natural position, and he is putting forth a good effort there regardless.

Craig Cusick played for much of the first half and did a good job in taking care of the basketball, leading to zero turnovers in his nine minutes of play.

Email: bgurney@desnews.com

Twitter: @BrandonCGurney