Facing Portland in their first game of the WCC Tournament, BYU came out on top 82-71 to advance to face Loyola Marymount.
But even in a victory, inconsistency was again the story for the Cougars.
Following a below-average regular season filled with close losses to the elite teams of the conference but even worse results against the lower half, BYU looked like they might repeat the process against Portland on Friday night.
First half struggles
The Pilots started out the first half hot, taking an 11-4 lead just under five minutes into the game thanks to a Tyler Robertson three-pointer.
Robertson was a highlight for Portland in the game, leading the way in scoring with 31 points.
BYU did make a run of its own run following Portland’s, cutting the deficit to three points following a Richie Saunders made three.
The Cougars were never able to recapture the lead, however, as the Pilots continued their first-half dominance following the brief BYU run.
Portland stretched the lead throughout the remainder of the half and entered the break with a 43-30 advantage on the scoreboard.
Strong second half leads to victory
While the Pilots started the first half hot, it was BYU who came ready to play in half number two.
The realization that the season was on the line must have hit the Cougars at halftime, as they took their first second-half lead in just five minutes.
BYU would never allow Portland to regain the lead after that point, even as the Pilots kept the game close. With just over four minutes remaining in the game, Jack Perry hit a three-pointer for the Pilots to bring the game within three points.
The Cougars didn’t flinch in crunch time though, with the defense only allowing two points in the final three minutes. The late-game defensive lockdown sealed the 82-71 victory for BYU and a spot in the next round of the conference tournament.
Inconsistency continues
As was outlined earlier, BYU has struggled with inconsistency during the 2022-23 season, and this game was no exception.
After struggling to contain Portland in the first half, the Cougars were stout in the second frame to seal the opening-round victory. With the opponents they either will or may possibly face for the remainder of the tournament, BYU still needs to find that consistency.
Will the Cougars be able to make a dark horse run to win their first WCC Tournament title?
Only time will tell, but BYU fans will be hoping to see more of the second-half version of the team that beat Portland against Loyola Marymount, and potentially beyond.
Up next
Fifth-seeded BYU (18-14) will face off against fourth-seeded Loyola Marymount (19-11) at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, on Saturday, March 4. The matchup will tip off at 8 p.m. MT and can be seen on ESPN2.
