Provo, UT (Sports Network) - Craig Cusick's rebound and put-back with 0.2
seconds remaining provided the BYU Cougars with an exciting 70-68 victory over
the Utah State Aggies in non-conference action at the Marriott Center.
Cusick shot just 1-of-7 from the floor on the night, finishing with four
points and five rebounds for the Cougars (20-8) as they picked up their second
straight win. Tyler Haws was the game's high scorer with 27 points, followed
by Brandon Davies and Brock Zylstra with 10 points apiece.
The Aggies (18-7) were paced by Spencer Butterfield who registered a double-
double with 21 points and 14 rebounds, adding five assists as the team bowed
for the second time in the last three outings. Before fouling out, Jarred Shaw
put up 13 points and eight rebounds, while Marvin Jean contributed 11 points.
BYU used some tough defense to support what became a 10-0 run during the first
half and break a 15-15 tie. Limiting Utah State to only 2-of-13 shooting
behind the 3-point line over the first 20 minutes of play, the Cougars were
able to secure a 41-32 edge at the break.
With the game tied at 68-68, the Cougars played for the last shot and with the
clock winding down Matt Carlino lifted up for a long jumper from the top of
the key, but it came off the front of the rim, was caught by Cusick and shot
back up all in one motion and fell through before time expired.
The officials went to the video replay to make sure that Cusick's shot beat
the buzzer and upon review they decided that there should be 0.2 seconds
placed back on the clock. USU threw the ball the length of the floor and it
was tipped up against the backboard but failed to convert.
BYU survived despite shooting just 26.7 percent from the floor in the second
half, including 1-of-10 beyond the arc in the period.
This was a game originally slated to take place on December 5, but it was
postponed until now after Utah State's Danny Berger collapsed at practice that
week, needing the aid of CPR and a defibrillator before being taken to a local
hospital.
GAME NOTES:
The Sports Network