Tavernari Fuels White Team To Victory


Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

PROVO, Utah (Oct. 24, 2007) -- The BYU men's basketball team gave Cougar fans a glimpse of what to expect from its 2007-08 squad when the team split in half to participate in a full-length scrimmage on Wednesday at the annual Cougar Tipoff.

2007 Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year Jonathan Tavernari led the White team to a 77-64 victory with a game-high 27 points and 12 rebounds.

"I'm pleased with Jonathan [Tavernari]," said head coach Dave Rose. "He shot the ball well."

Other players for the White team included recently returned-missionary Chris Miles, Sam Burgess, Ben Murdock, Archie Rose, Nick Martineau, Matt Pinegar and Gavin MacGregor. The Blue team consisted of returning starters Lee Cummard and Trent Plaisted along with newcomers Jimmer Fredette, Chris Collinsworth, Lamont Morgan Jr., Michael Loyd Jr. and James Anderson.

A three-pointer by Burgess gave the White team its first points of the night to start the scrimmage. Collinsworth answered on the opposite end of the floor on the Blue team's next possession.

The threes continued to fall for the White team, however, totaling eight in the first half alone and giving the team a 38-29 lead going into the locker room.

The White team continued to dominate in the second half with its largest lead of 17 coming with 13:49 to play in the game.

With just under nine minutes to play in the second half the Blue team attempted its comeback, fueled by a three-pointer by Loyd. Fredette would go on to score the Blue team's next nine points, bringing the score to 66-58.

"Jimmer [Fredette] really settled down in the second half and played with more confidence," said Rose. "I like our competitive spirit. We have some talented offensive players that can score baskets."

The Blue team's efforts would fall short, coming to within only six points.

During halftime Rose addressed the crowd, thanking the fans for their support and expressing his hopes for the team's upcoming season.

"These are terrific players with great character who work hard," said Rose. "Let's go win another championship!"

Also during the break, four Cougars were paired with fans to compete in a two-ball shooting competition. Points were awarded on baskets made from different spots on the floor. Cummard's team finished in first place with 27 points, followed by Tavernari, Murdock and Burgess.

Up next fans can watch the Cougars as they play in their first exhibition game against Laval University on Friday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. in the Marriott Center.

Most recent Sports stories

Related topics

Sports

SPORTS NEWS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

From first downs to buzzer beaters, get KSL.com’s top sports stories delivered to your inbox weekly.
By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Newsletter Signup

KSL Weather Forecast

KSL Weather Forecast
Play button