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EL PASO, TEXAS -- The No. 23 BYU men's basketball team knew that Saturday's game against UTEP was going to be a tough test, but it just got a little tougher. Star point guard Jimmer Fredette has reportedly been diagnosed with mononucleosis, and if he is able to go against the Miners, chances are he will be quite limited in how much he can contribute.
Fatigue caused by Fredette's medical condition hindered his play against UNLV Wednesday, as he finished with only seven points on two of 10 shooting. Fredette was only able to play 25 minutes; six minutes shy of his season average of 31 minutes entering the UNLV game. Many of the minutes he did play it was obvious he was not himself.
Things weren't looking any better at Thursday's practice, as BYU Head Coach said of Fredette, "he was in no condition today to practice."
The good news for the Cougars is that they found a way to win Wednesday evening and players and coaches alike attributed the win to other players stepping up and making plays. Thursday after practice, they said they know they will have to do more of the same to win in El Paso.
"There's lots of good players on this team, and (when a player is struggling) that's when other guys have to step up," said freshman guard Tyler Haws. "That's what we did (Wednesday) night."
Rose said he expects the game against the Miners to be as competitive as a conference game.
"I think it will be really similar to what we'll see the next two months," said Rose, noting that UTEP looks and plays like the Rebel team BYU faced Wednesday night.
There's lots of good players on this team and (when a player is struggling) that's when other guys have to step up.
–BYU freshman Tyler Haws
The Miners have a familiar face on the roster in Derrick Caracter, who played for Louisville when it faced BYU in the Las Vegas Classic in 2007. Caracter transferred to UTEP after that season and has anchored the middle for the Miners, averaging 14 points and nine rebounds per game.
"He has really changed the makeup of that team. He's a great low-post scorer and he's strong," Rose said. "We'll have our hands full. This will be a good test for our post guys."
Randy Culpepper leads the way for the Miners, scoring 18 points per game. The two teams match up quite well in most statistical categories. The Cougars boast a higher scoring average (84 ppg) and field goal percentage (50.8). On the flip side, the Miners have better defensive numbers, holding opponents to only 38 percent, and 28.6 percent from 3-point range.
The Miners' big win this year was against Oklahoma, but suffered losses to Texas Tech, Tulsa and Mississippi.
Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m. The game can be heard live on KSL Newsradio 102.7FM/1160AM and KSL.com beginning with the pregame show at 6 p.m. It will be televised live on CBS College Sports.
