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BYU basketball: Cougars falters late against another ranked team

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AZ Dave | 11:06 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Explain to me how you get "homed" by the refs at home? One and done

Last 10 minutes | 11:10 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009

The cougs went cold the last ten minutes....Hummmm....Sounds familiar to the MWC tournament the last two years. The reason is the cougs get tired by playing against superior athletes and eventually wear down and their shots fall short. Better conditioning and the weight room might help. Can Cummard bench a 100 pounds?

Refs on this game | 11:26 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Joe Demayo, Most common conferences:A-10, MAAC,
Has done about 700+ games since 1996, about 60+ games per year in the last 10

Kevin O'Connell,Most common conferences:A-10, Ivy League
Does 15 to 20 games per year

DJ Carstensen: Most common conferences: Horizon
This looks like Dj's rookie year in D1 basketball

Google their names, interesting website of mostly East Coast based officials see statsheet

Comments continue below

RE: Reality | 11:31 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009

"BYU needs to recruit outside of Utah once in a while. It may do the trick."

Huh? 3 of the 14 players are from Utah. 4 if you count Abuou's time at Logan HS.

3-Utah - Emery, Miles, Pinegar
2-Arizona - Cummard, Anderson
2-California - MacGregor, Morgan
1-Brazil - Tavernari
1-Bahamas - Rose
1-Oregon - Boswell
1-New York - Fredette
1-Nevada - Loyd
1-New Hampshire - Abuou
1-Oklahoma - Hartsock
1-Oklahoma

I would say BYU does a nice job recruiting outside of Utah.

Johnny | 11:41 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009

All i can say to you BYU fans is NEENER NEENER NEENER...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAso long streak and good bye....it was great to see them lose at home and it is about time..

Still amazed | 11:44 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Any time I read comments on any story about Utah or BYU athletics, I'm still amazed by one fact. Utah fans exhibit a depressing amount of hatred in their comments. They are very bitter, hateful and negative people.

Kurt | 11:46 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009

I was at the game last night and the refs did play a big part in helping wake forest win the game. The horrible calls came in an important part of the game. There were three consecutive 'bad' calls in a row against the cougs. Don't tell me this doesn't have a demoralizing effect on the team.
Even with this sort of officiating, the cougs could have won, if only they would have been better at the line and hit some feild goals.
good game!

Silver Maned Cougar | 11:50 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Reality says:

. . . BYU needs to recruit outside of Utah once in a while. It may do the trick . . .

Dear Reality,

The reality is that only four of the players on this team are from or played in High School in Utah. Miles and Jackson are starters. Abouo and Pinegar are freshmen. While you weren't looking, geographic diversity arrived: Arizona, California, Oregon, Oklahoma, New York, Bahamas, and Brazil. The truth is, we aren't going to get many of the superstars, but while disappointed in losing these last two games, I'm not disappointed in the performance of this team. They could be very good by year's end and end our tournament drought!

JJ Steadman | 11:56 a.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Congrats BYU on the loss. Shows what you get for copying the Utes Black out this season. Proves you should find your own way to do things, although thanks a bunch for copying the best in the nation!

Anonymous | 12:04 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Typical BYU sports. I'm getting burned out.

But... | 12:21 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

But we are undefeated against Southern Baptist.

Anonymous | 12:42 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

I'm sick of BYU athletics dropping games this season. We should change the mascot to the BYU heart breakers and the mission statement to "better than mediocrity, but a stones throw away from the best."

Kudos to Rose | 1:06 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

GREAT GAME COUGARS. Definitely got my money's worth last night. Impressive feat for the cougars, their only two losses of the season coming at the hands of two ranked teams. Quite unlike the little brothers from up north, losing to SWB and ISU. Me personally, I'd choose consistancy anyday over what's happening up at the U. Inconsistant play every game will doom the Utes throughout conference play. They are finding their groove as of late, but I expect them to falter against the top three in the conference. As for the Y, Rose has put together four awesome teams since taking over the reigns, and has the highest winning percentage of any coach through their fourth season at the Y. Consistancy throughout the season has landed the cougars two straight MWC titles, and this year could produce the same result. The cougs are quick to the basket, their transition game is fun to watch, and they are capable at both man-to-man and the zone. Their M2M has produced wins of thirty points, and their zone slowed a powerful team last night that feeds off of speed. I'm excited to see conference play--should be another great season. Kudos to Rose.

scheduling | 1:14 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Congratualtions to Rose and the coaching staff for the amazing scheduling these past several years. Games against Oklahoma State (granted, before the Rose era), Michigan State, Louisville, North Carolina, Wake Forrest. The days of the power conferences shying away from the "lowly" MWC are ending, thanks in large part to Rose and Kruger at UNLV. Kudos to Rose for playing each of those games down to the wire, demonstrating to the big boys that we can play basketball in the west too. Read WF's coach's remarks. Nothing but praise for the cougars. Go back to last season's games, and you'll find the same from the other big names. Rose should continue to schedule these big games during his stay at BYU--they are fun to watch, get national spotlight, earn respect for the MWC and BYU, and they roll in the dough....23,000 people last night. And as experience is ganined, look for the victories to start. Congrats cougs keeping it close in every one of those games in which you were picked to lose in dramatic fashion.

Re: JJ Steadman | 1:17 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

You really think Utah's black out was original?

Cougs Forever | 1:29 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

It was the MWC fault we lost the game. It is not fair that the Conference Tournament is held on UNLV's home court. Oh wait, that's my cry baby excuse come March 14th

reality | 1:33 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Homered, eh?

Foul differential only 7, majority of which acounted for by BYU fouling in the last 2 minutes of the game.

When you attack the basket, (as in drive the lane and/or work the ball inside) you're far more likely to get a foul called than when you're jacking it up from 3-point land. (WF took 16 treys to BYU's 32). WF & BYU shot identical percentage from 3-point land, BYU just shot twice as many treys).

Real Difference in the game was WF with their conditioning and athleticism was able to get the Cougs winded so they played defense with their hands/arms rather than their feet. Thus, the Cougs Bigs fouling out due to WF's massive advantage inside.

historic game | 1:51 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Great student section last night. I was there 90 minutes before tipoff, and the closest I could get was row 23. Thanks a lot students for the support, and let's keep it rolling through conference play! No wonder the cougs have only a handful of losses in their last 100+ home games....in fact, 126-11 going back to the 1999-2000 season. Time to start a new streak!

Officials | 1:48 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

The officials killed what could have been a great basketball game last night.

They lost complete control of the game. Called 49 fouls. Were very much the focal point of the first ten minutes of the second half. They acted like they had never been in a big game before. Fooled by flops. Mystery calls. Calls inconsistent from one end to the other.

Some joker said refs don't make baskets. Well, they take made baskets away and deny free throw opportunities with bad calls.

Refs come into games with preconceived notions of what's supposed to happen. When they are bad officials, they kill games. Like last night.

Tired of the Rebels | 1:57 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

UNLV fans keep posting on BYU boards in an out-of-state newspaper...they're scared stiff of the cougs and keep close tabs on the cougs' season than on their own team's. Someone's nervous for conference play...

TED | 2:15 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

BYU CAN'T WIN THE CLOSE ONES BECAUSE OF SOMETHING MUCH DEEPER THAN ARROGANCE.

THEY DON'T HAVE THE PLAYERS IN FOOTBALL OR BASKETBALL, BECAUSE OF HONOR CODE. AND AS TIME GOES ON IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE.

AS LONG AS HONOR CODE IS MOST IMPORTENT, WHITCH IT WILL, BYU CAN NOT WIN THE BIGGER ONE. WELL, UNLESS THEY FILL THEIR TEAMS WITH A FEW DAVIDS. GET IT?

Re: Ted | 2:33 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Is the honor code a bad thing?

Not so great | 2:50 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Cougars are not as good as they think---Choke just like football

Agree | 2:52 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

I agree w comment that Cummard (like Hall in football)has not shown up for the big games this year. Perhaps he was trying too hard to impress the many nba scouts that were at the MC last night. But if Y is to win conference he and tavanari must play better than they did last night.

True Champ | 2:52 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Football and basketball are different sports so there is no reason to compare max hall and lee cummard. and second for a basketball fan what more could you ask than a game like that. It was so intense and awesome. It was a good showing for BYU and thats was a way freakin hard test for WF. Look out MWC BYU once again will win the regular season title (which shows the true champion)!!!

RE:True Champ | 3:11 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Just like in football, Utah will be the WWC Champs. BYU fans will talk a lot, however Utah will win

ACC FAN | 3:14 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

I thought it was a great game and to bad BYU couldn't pull of the upset but maybe y'all might be happy it wasn't a blow out!

Anonymous | 3:20 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

If BYU got homored I think not!! The call towards the end of the first half will tell you that BYU got it's fair share of call their way also. Mcfarland fouling Fredette. He barely complained about the questionable call and was given a technical foul so fast. With the basket made and free throw and technicals made that was a 5 point turnaround. Refs weren't all that bad but when you penetrate your going to get calls. They don't call fouls on three's to often.

ACC FAN NC | 3:26 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

I thought the game was interesting but I thought BYU could of won the game if they tried harder. I guess sometimes you don't think about making mistakes but the mistakes BYU did surely cost them the game and I thought for sure they were going to win and pull off the upset from a good team Wake Forest but maybe next time you might do it but i wish BYU wouldn't of committed so many fouls and so maybe it would of been more exciting it was even closer.

Anonymous | 5:30 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

FOR ALL YOU COUGAR FANS DON'T LOOK AT THE BAD SIDE AFTER ALL YOU WILL DO WELL THE REST OF THE SEASON I HOPE. DON'T FORGET THAT YOU'RE A GOOD SCHOOL! BUT NO MORE ARGUMENTS ABOUT HOW BAD THE GAME IS AS LONG AS YOU TRY YOUR BEST THAT IS ALL THAT MATTERS! GOOD LUCK GOD BLESS Y'ALL NOW!

Aggie Man | 5:39 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

The Cougs took too many bad shots from behind the 3-point line at crucial points in the game. A fun game to watch!

Blue Fan | 6:12 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Quest for Perfection, ended!

Ute Fan | 6:36 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

I'm a ute fan, but the Cougs played very competitely and have one of the best home court advantages in the country. Congrats on getting the program turned around.

My2Cents | 7:05 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Somebody who is knowledgable please explain to me why BYU can't win Tournament games. Is it recruiting? The honor code? Is it the guards? Year after year BYU has a great season but always loses in the first round. I belive the last tourny win was in 1991.

Waiting for an answer.

ACC FAN NC | 7:39 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Maybe because can not play against the big boys who are more physical then they are. AND MAYBE THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO!

sj | 7:54 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Great scheduling. Its fun to watch the Y play tough teams win or lose. No question the Y's two big guns were no shows in this one.

Galllegos | 7:56 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Like I have said, BYU should drop intercollegiate athletics and stick to the vision and mission of the university. We can't compete and the money and effort is better spent elsewhere. It worked well at BYU-I, I don't know why we don't pull the trigger here. Intramural athletics is much more suited for an institution like BYU.

UNLV fans... yuck | 8:40 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

I like how the MWC is always at UNLV, i mean its pretty much a home game for the rebels every year. I think the tournament so be played at a neutral site or something cus UNLV always gets the benefit every year, i really hope BYU but pounds UNLV in the conference and during the regular season, and by the way New Mexico cannot beat BYU, i live in new mexico and i go to lobo games every once in awhile and you know they are really not that great, ya defense is alright but they really are not that good.

Cornhuskers | 9:03 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Nebraska had a very good football team under Tom "The Wizard of" Ozborne through the 70,80s, but it wasn't until they got speed in thier DBs and LBs that they were able to compete with the faster Florida teams and win a couple NC.
BYU has the same problem UN suffered. When the stakes are higher, they don't have the next gear. BYU can compete when there is not much riding on the game or the game is not in doubt. But when its a tourney or its those last few minutes of a close game, you have to have that extra speed and quickness that can't be taught. Thats what separates good players from the better ones. In basketball, its that elevation that will get your shot off or the quickness that gives you separation to get the shot off.
There were shots Cummard had blocked at the end, shots JT forced up under duress and the lack of separation from the Jimmer. Wake was able to step up their game, whereas BYU could not. BYU should of had the advantage being accustomed to altitude, but physically unable.
Its Ability vs Hard Work.

Anonymous | 9:11 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

I can't believe all the negative comments coming from the Ute fans. If my team had lost to Southern Baptist (at home) or Idaho St I wouldn't dare to show my face in public much less talk any smack.

Housser | 9:26 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

We can't hit a three but we can build a heck of a mall.

Cry me a river BYU.... | 9:53 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

"They aren't able to recruit the very best LDS athletes anymore-- and yet they remain remarkable competitive year in an year out despite this huge disadvantage. I think it is amazing that they do as well as they do."

Waaa waaa waaaa...

I don't see Utah crying about recruiting disadvantageous, specially in 1998 when we finished 2nd.

In football Utah has won 2 BCS games in 5 years, even over the powerful SEC Bama team with all its mighty athletes.

DISCLAIMER: The statements above are truth, not opinion. If you disagree with them it is most likely due to some shortcoming of your own.

Quest for Perfection | 4:40 a.m. | 10:13 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Whatever, they beat the same teams that utah lost too. And BYU will take care of the utah's division II basketball team with ease.

Ute Basketball Stinks | 10:17 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

"I can't believe all the negative comments coming from the Ute fans. If my team had lost to Southern Baptist (at home) or Idaho St I wouldn't dare to show my face in public much less talk any smack."

I agree but you see Ute football allowed me to show my face in public. Now the Ute basketball team just beat a ranked team, something BYU anthletics can't claim, I will be wearing my Ute Basketball Tshirt in public again.

Plus, Sugar Bowl win took the sting out of the Southwest Baptist lose.

BYU is good but still a step behind little brother.

Go Utes!!!

Orem Coug | 10:47 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Stop it Yewties. I see some envy here. Yes BIG brothers is watching and I have to tell you young ones to settle down. Sugar Bowl is good but we still have an NC --'84 remember. We'll see how the season unfolds but I'm guessing BYU will come out on top and go deep into the tourney...Good luck getting out of the first round of the CBI.

woody | 10:56 p.m. Jan. 4, 2009

Where in the world are the centers for the Y

byu basketball: | 12:01 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

A group of selfish players. They deserved to lose. Trying to impress scouts back-fired for Tavanari and Cummard.

DennyG | 6:24 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

Apparently, BYU fans want all the officials doing their games to be "local" boys. I imagine this will insure all the calls will be fair an impartial.
I'm wondering if officials ought to have a PPI with one of the local leaders in order to qualify for the responsibility?

wer | 10:30 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009

I am impressed with some of the observations. (There are those who abuse this forum just to rile others up or see their thoughts published-kind of like graffiti.)

BYU lost to Wake mostly because the "Demon Deacons" are a better team. Also an important factor is that certain BYU players fail to show up for important games and some have no sense of clock management or shot selection.

However, the biggest challenge for greater Cougar b.ball success is the difficulties imposed by players serving missions. No coach in America, at any level, has a more challenging situation than Coach Rose. All top NCAA schools have the problems with keeping players eligible, plus the matter of those going pro early.

At BYU, the roster changes significantly EVERY year. There isn't another non LDS coach in the country who would want this issue.

Hats off to the Cougar coaching staff and those players who willingly serve missions. You do great in spite of the difficulties caused by commitments.

BTW: UNC coach Dean Smith had his players bring a church bulletin to practice on Mondays years ago. Today, that would land him in court.

david | 12:30 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009

I dont know why everyone thinks that because byu lost to now the number 4 team in the country in a well fought game, they can not win the confrence? This is likey the best team in provo for years and the most talented. And they are young. They are a few plays away from winning this game and hundreds of seconds form winning the asu game. They might lose two or three road games in confrence to unlv and sdsu. No one in confrence has the talent of wake and this game would have been close where ever they played. Sos may be low but they have stilled played two higher ranked teams than utah and didnt lose to south west baptist and isu. Go cougars. I'm thinking repeat!

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9 photos

Jason Olson, Deseret News

BYU's Chris Miles is dragged down by Wake Forest's Chas McFarland in Saturday's back-and-fourth game at the Marriott Center, with No. 6 Wake Forrest prevailing in the final two minutes.

Gallery (9 photos)

Basketball Final	1	2	3	4	T
Jazz	22	30	38	30	120
Magic	35	25	21	30	111

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BYU basketball: Cougars falters late against another ranked team

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BYU basketball: Cougars falters late against another ranked team