Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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I'll take "Beating Air Force" for $200, Alex.
Answer: 69-53, 62-58, 61-52, 65-59.
Question: What are the final scores in BYU's last four wins over Air Force?
As you will note, 60 is the magic number when facing the Falcons. Score 60 and keep the Cadets under 60, and you're good to go. The last six times these two teams have played, the formula has held, including tonight, as BYU never trailed in topping Air Force 69-53.
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The "Trent Plaisted Story" was well-documented this week, from Monday (when he missed practice and I learned he was sick), until just before gametime (when he was listed as "out" for tonight's game). But for those who aren't entirely familiar with what transpired, suffice it to say Plaisted surprised me, Dave Rose, the team trainer and Trent's teammates tonight.
Post-shootaround this morning, Rose was planning on starting Chris Miles at the center spot, and was not planning on having Plaisted available.
This afternoon, Jonathan Tavernari texted Lee Cummard, letting him know it would be on him and JT to pick up the slack for Plaisted.
Tonight, Plaisted showed up at the arena, wearing sweats and a collared shirt while his teammates were in shorts and jerseys. Trent slumped into a courtside chair and watched the players warm up. I sat down next to him and asked him how he was feeling. "Like a zombie," he told me. He went on to say how he just had nothing to put out there--no energy whatsover. He had eaten only fruit and some plain pasta since Sunday night, had lost weight, and had thrown up as late as this morning. Plaisted sat, and he watched.
He then turned to the team trainer and told him he felt he was letting his teammates down. "Go talk to Coach, then," he was told. Minutes later, he was in uniform and starting. And scoring the first two points of the game. And pulling down a game-high 9 rebounds. And scoring the back-to-back baskets that essentially sealed the deal late in the second half.
Final line: start, 9 pts, 9 reb, 4/6 fg, 19 mp.
And the respect of his team.
BYU might have indeed won without Trent Plaisted in uniform tonight. But the fact he was on the floor added import to the victory and may be a galvanizing agent as this squad develops its identity and demonstrates its character.
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BYU has now shot 50% from the field in back-to-back games, after going three straight games shooting 34% or worse from the field.
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BYU shot 70% from the free throw line for only the 8th time in 21 games, and for only the second time in the last 7 games. The ten free throw attempts were the second-fewest in a game this season (BYU shot 6 of 9 v. North Carolina).
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Since the inception of the Mountain West Conference, BYU has now won at Air Force in 2001, 2003, 2007 and 2008. In the first three instances, the Cougars went on to win the regular season MWC title.
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Trivia time:
13 of BYU's 16 wins have been by 15 points or more.
BYU is 5-0 on Wednesday nights.
BYU has held opponents to under 40% shooting in 6 straight games.
BYU is 13-0 when outshooting the opposition.
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