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LOGAN -- Although bright spots were few and far between for the BYU basketball team Wednesday night against the Utah State Aggies, one player's performance provided somewhat of a positive outlook for the Cougars' future.
Chris Miles entered Wednesday night's contest averaging only five points per game, but became a strong post presence for the Cougars against the Aggies, scoring 11 points, hitting five of his nine shot attempts, while adding five rebounds, an assist and a block.
Miles acknowledged the fact that his season has started slow after the game in an interview with KSL Newsradio.
Related:
Quayle leads Utah State to 71-61 win over BYU
Jared Quayle scored 22 points, including 18 in the second half, to lead Utah State past in-state rival Brigham Young 71-61 Wednesday night."I think I got off to a difficult offensive start to the season. I don't know how else to put it," Miles said.
After the team went through a seven minute stretch without scoring, Miles said he knew he had to step up for his team.
"When our guards are hot, it's really easy to kick the ball out, but whereas there was so much pressure, I knew I had to score," he said. "That's something that I want to do more of. I want to score more. But at the same time, the most important thing to me is winning games."
Despite the promise the Cougars had shown previous to Wednesday night's game, Miles said this game may have been the wake up call his team needed.
"I think we've got a lot of growing up to do," Miles said.
BYU head coach Dave Rose wasn't happy with the 71-61 loss, but said he liked the way his senior center played.
The need for production from the post has been a recurring issue for the Cougars since the beginning of the season, and one that Rose has emphasized on numerous occasions.
After the game, Rose and Miles seemed to be in agreement that Miles' performance tonight is something the team needs to build on. The Timpview High product said he plans to make a habit of the way he played tonight.
Said Miles: "I just plan to keep getting better and to help our team win."
