BYU's fast-break surge secures 86-71 win over Montana State
The Cougars led by as many as 21 points behind a 28-4 advantage in transition scoring and a 22-point performance by Rob Wright III.
By Lucia Herrera ·
No. 23 BYU defeated Montana State 86-71 on Thursday in Provo, Utah, capping a game in which the Cougars dominated the transition game. Rob Wright III recorded 22 points, seven assists, and five steals for the four-win team. Bruce Branch III contributed 17 points, while Jaxon Kohler added 12 points and six rebounds.
The Cougars outscored the Bobcats 28-4 in fast-break points and held a 46-24 lead in the paint. BYU never trailed during the contest. A 13-2 run before halftime stretched the advantage to 34-17. Tyler Betsey scored two layups during that sequence, and Jake Wahlin finished the run with a 3-pointer.
Montana State (1-2) reduced the deficit to nine points one minute into the second half. Jeremiah Davis hit a 3-pointer to close the gap. Branch responded with two consecutive 3-pointers to extend the lead to 49-34. Davis and London Praytor led the Bobcats with 14 points each, and Christian King scored 12.
The margin reached 21 points with 1 minute and 50 seconds remaining. Wright stole the ball and converted an layup to make the score 86-65. Dawson Baker made his season debut for BYU in the game. The former Miami transfer played eight minutes and finished with two points and two rebounds.
Baker sat out last season due to a knee injury sustained against Miami. He averaged 7.5 points and shot 47.4% from 3-point range in six games prior to that injury. Two seasons ago, he averaged 7.5 points and shot 38% from long distance while helping BYU reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011. The Cougars host Northern Colorado on Wednesday, and Montana State hosts Cal Poly on Sunday.
