Big Test for BYU Monday Night

BYU plays at San Diego tonight, a team they blew out by 36 at home.  The real test for BYU tonight, however, is when Baylor travels to Kansas for a showdown of elite basketball teams.  BYU had Baylor on the ropes multiple times throughout their contest.  BYU today is clearly a better team than it was then, so if Baylor can head to KU and pull one out at Allen Fieldhouse, that would say a lot about BYU, I think.  If Kansas handles business at home easily, then perhaps BYU isn't as good as we hope.

Now, for BYU's game, the real test will be: can they put the 36-point blowout behind them.  Will they take San Diego seriously enough?  After another subpar defensive game on Saturday, I'm not sure they can afford to take anyone lightly at this point.  If the shots aren't falling, which is possible on the road, BYU can't give up easy looks at the basket to anyone.  So, the test for BYU, can they mentally be in this game from the opening tip?  Bury San Diego early and get Rogers, Sharp, and Harrison some additional playing time in case the Cougars need them down the stretch (they will need Rogers, and I hate to lump him in with Sharp and Harrison but you can tell he isn't quite right yet).  Rogers D has been good since he's been back, but he looks out of sorts a bit on the offensive end still.

For San Diego, Dennis Kramer was an unexpected surprise on the offensive end in the first matchup.  Ken Rancifer came out of nowhere with his 8 boards as well.  San Diego got no-shows from their two best players, leading scorer Johnny Dee (0-7) and leading rebounder and second-leading scorer Chris Manresa (4 points, 2 rebounds).  I would expect them to have much better games this time around.  One or two of those "role" players figures to have a good game on their home court and this might be a contest through 30 minutes.  BYU needs to hit shots and play defense.  They need to win this one handily.

This is one of the worst teams in the WCC.  There figures to be a lot of BYU fans on hand for the game.  If BYU doesn't get it done, this would be a shocker.  Davies, Hartsock, and Austin combined for 45 points in the first matchup.  I anticipate a lot of quick double teams and "monster" defense from San Diego.  That means the Cougars have to hit outside shots, and Abouo and Carlino need to finish around the rim.  There will also be opportunities for second chance points with the double teams and shifting and getting out of position that the Torrerros have to employ to have a chance.  BYU 77, San Diego 66.