By Ronald Weaver III
Provo, UT – “I’m going to rock with these dudes, until I can’t rock anymore” were the words Caleb Lohner used in the postgame interview following BYU’s 79-59 win over LMU on Thursday night.
Lohner recorded his 2nd career double-double (13 points, 11 rebounds) as it was all BYU (20-9, 8-6 WCC) from the minute tip-off began. The Cougars started off the first half with a run that set the tone.
Lohner made a huge impact for the Cougars as they went on 13-0 run with 12:32 left to play in the first half. The sophomore from Dallas, Texas provided 6 points and 5 rebounds in just five minutes of play.
LMU (9-17, 2-11 WCC) tried to make a comeback by responding with a 6-0 run of their own that cut BYU’s lead to 11. However, the scoring struggles for the Lions continued as the Cougars held them to nine shots in the first half.
Lohner throws down a dunk Thursday night against LMU. Photo Courtesy of BYU Athletics/BYU Basketball
The Cougars had four players in double figures. Two of those players were Te’Jon Lucas and Gideon George. Both players combined for 26 of BYU’s points on 11-of-20 shooting as they both over shot 50% from the field.
Lohner said “we just need to keep making statements” and that’s exactly what the Cougars did. BYU had a 40-point advantage in the paint, as they outscored LMU 52-12.
This was the Cougars first win by 20+ points since a 73-51 victory over Pacific to open WCC play. It was also BYU’s second Div. I win this season in which the Cougars never trailed (Oregon).
With Thursday night’s victory, Mark Pope became the fourth head coach to win 20 plus games in each of his first three seasons (24-8, 20-7, 20-9).
BYU’s next home game will be against Pepperdine Saturday February 26th at 6:00pm MST.
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