Cougars amped for big home game against No. 25 Saint Mary's


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PROVO — There's been a buzz around BYU's campus this week and it isn't just coming from Wednesday's Signing Day for the football team.

The buzz also comes from the BYU men's basketball team's game against No. 25 Saint Mary's tonight at 7 p.m. at the Marriott Center. The Gaels (18-2, 9-1 West Coast Conference) are the first nationally-ranked team the Cougars have played since Jan. 14 at then-No. 25 Gonzaga and the first top 25 team to come to Provo since the then-No. 8 Zags visited the Marriott Center on Dec. 27, 2014.

But for senior guard Chase Fischer, the game is big for one simple reason: the Gaels are the leaders of the WCC, a spot the Cougars (16-7, 7-3 WCC) want for themselves.

"It gets you ready a little bit more than it usually would," said Fischer, who is averaging a team-best 18.0 points per game. "When they're leading the league, that's more important than being ranked. We need this win in a lot of ways.

"There is a lot riding on this game, and it will always be a good atmosphere when they come to town."

BYU is trying to avoid being swept by a conference opponent for the first time this season. But junior forward Kyle Davis said there is plenty they can take from the 82-77 loss in Moraga, California, that might prevent that.

"This time we can look at a lot of our mistakes and even things that went well, and try to implement more," Davis said. "They are such a good 3-point shooting team, I'm sure we'll have a lot of emphasis on that.

"It's a little different, but mostly it's just nice to have a game to look back on."

Photo: Luke Franke, Deseret News
Photo: Luke Franke, Deseret News

A strong start will be key for BYU, rather than a late spurt to pull away. Among the biggest danger the Gaels present is their ability to win close games, said BYU coach Dave Rose. Three of the Gaels' past five games have been decided by three points.

"They win close games, and I think that's something that if you get into a couple of close games early, it can define your team," Rose said. "Their belief and their execution is there, but it can also go the other way. If you get beat in a couple of close games early, you're fighting that."

Saint Mary's is also making its first trip outside the state of California since last year's WCC Tournament in Las Vegas. The Gaels close the regular season with six of their final 10 games on the road.

It's a scheduling anomaly, but one the Cougars hope to take advantage of to get back into the league race.

"I think we're better on both ends," Rose said. "Offensively we missed a lot of easy shots (at Saint Mary's), what I consider to be makeable shots. We played with good energy there, but they have a tendency to slow the game down and be sustained. Hopefully we'll be on attack on both ends."

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