BYU Opens WCC Final With Hot Start, Early Lead Over Gonzaga

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The BYU men’s basketball team got off to a much better start against the Gonzaga Bulldogs than the Cougars’ experienced earlier this season.

The Cougars and Bulldogs played in the West Coast Conference final at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Tuesday, March 9.

After the first timeout, BYU owned a 7-5 lead with 15:54 remaining in the first half.

In BYU’s first matchup with the Zags this season, the Cougars trailed 23-2 to start the game.

The Cougars opened the second meeting with the Bulldogs down 15-2.

#BYU has a lead on Gonzaga at the first media timeout. Much better start than being down 23-2.@BYUbasketball – 7@ZagMBB – 5

15:49 | 1st#BYUHoops #GoCougs #WCChoops pic.twitter.com/0TyVhlKjYf

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 10, 2021

On Tuesday, BYU center Matt Haarms got the Cougars started with an early layup.

GET IT BIG MAN 👌 pic.twitter.com/fZEZ9K7ArK

— BYU Basketball (@BYUbasketball) March 10, 2021

Cougar forward Gideon George buried a triple before guard Brandon Averette buried a jumper.

Do yo thang @BAforever_4 pic.twitter.com/i7cdGd4HnE

— BYU Basketball (@BYUbasketball) March 10, 2021

BYU continued its great start over the following five minutes and owned a 26-19 advantage midway through the half.

Midway through the first half, @BYUbasketball leads #1 Gonzaga by 7 🧐

📺 ESPN
📍 @UCU_LA #WCChoops Tournament pic.twitter.com/DfBxV22NYM

— WCC Basketball (@WCChoops) March 10, 2021

Trevin Knell led BYU with seven quick points.

The Cougars vs. Bulldogs game is broadcast on ESPN and KSL NewsRadio 102.7 FM and 1160 AM.