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PROVO — BYU won in dramatic fashion over its in-state rival Utah State, 70-68, Tuesday night after a last-second jumper by Craig Cusick.
The shot was the only field goal Cusick made the entire game, but he sure picked a good time to make it, as it gave the Cougars an important win as they fight to build momentum for a postseason run.
“This has been the best shot of my life by far. There’s no question about it,” Cusick said after the game. “This has meant a lot for me, and I couldn’t be happier that I could be a part of this with my team.”
The shot will undoubtedly make the highlight reels and be much discussed until BYU plays Saint Mary’s on Thursday, and it highlights an important truth about basketball — every play counts.
Without Brandon Davies, a 64.5 percent free-throw shooter, having a perfect 6 for 6 night from the free-throw line, the game would have been different.
Without Tyler Haws getting to the free-throw line 14 times, his highest number of attempts this season, the game would have been different.
Without Brock Zylstra knocking down two 3-point shots for the second time in a month, finishing the game as the only Cougar with more than one made 3-pointer, the game would have been different.
Without Anson Winder grabbing four rebounds in 11 minutes, his most rebounds in a month, the game would have been different.
Without Bronson Kaufusi grabbing an offensive rebound in traffic with 1:38 left in the first half, and then going back up for a basket, the game would have been different.
Without forcing 18 turnovers, the most turnovers in a win since Dec. 27 against Northern Arizona, the game would have been different.
“It’s great that I made the shot, but I give all credit in the world to all my teammates during the game,” Cusick said. “I made one shot the whole game, so I have to give credit to my teammates.”
In the end, the game wasn’t decided by the referees, though the teams combined for 51 fouls and 60 free-throw attempts. The game wasn’t decided by an equipment problem, although the shot clock stopped working above each basket once during the game.
“It was just one of those games, it comes down to who can grit it out, who has the last shot,” Cusick said. “Fortunately, we were on the better end of that half tonight.”
The game ended in similar fashion to BYU's contest against Saint Mary’s earlier in the season, when the Gaels walked off the court euphorically after hitting a last-second shot to win the game.
“Anytime you win a close game, your guys, their confidence level is good,” BYU head coach Dave Rose said. “We competed hard for 40 minutes; it was a hard-fought game. A lot of guys got a chance to play and participate and hopefully it brings our team together.”
BYU will now quickly prepare for its game Thursday against Saint Mary’s, resuming conference play on the road. There are three games remaining on the Cougars' schedule; at Saint Mary’s, home against Gonzaga, and then back on the road against Loyola Marymount.
“We’re excited for the game against Saint Mary’s,” BYU forward Tyler Haws said. “Our defense has got to be solid, and we have to be ready for a battle. I feel comfortable with how our guys are playing, and we’ll be ready for them.”
The game will start at 9 pm MST, with KSL pregame coverage beginning an hour before tipoff. The game can also be watched on ESPN2.
