For the second time in six days, BYU (7-2) beat No. 18 San Diego State (5-1) to complete the sweep in both football and basketball.
Led by Alex Barcello’s 22 points and a game-high seven assists, the Cougars held on for a thrilling 72-62 road victory Friday night at Viejas Arena. With the win, the Cougars now lead the overall series 49-25.
BYU led by as many as 17 points, however, San Diego State wouldn’t go away as the Aztecs tied the game up at 61 with two minutes to go in the game. However, a 3-pointer by Brandon Averette and clutch free throws down the stretch gave the Cougars a double-digit victory.
Averette and Matt Harms finished the game with 10 points apiece. Harms also chipped in with eight rebounds in just 25 minutes. Spencer Johnson and Trevin Knell each had eight points and combined for three 3-pointers.
The win was a big resume boost for the Cougars as San Diego State finished last year with a 30-2 record and was the nation’s last undefeated team. After losing to USC and Boise State earlier in the season, the win puts the Cougars back on track to getting an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament.
San Diego State’s Matt Mitchell’s scored a career-high 35 points in the loss. The senior had five 3-pointers and was the only player in double-figures for the Aztecs.
Here’s how the media, fans and players reacted after the game:
UNDEFEATED NO MORE! 👀
BYU takes down No. 18 San Diego State to secure their first win against the Aztecs since 2011. #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/edHW7lIqUl
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) December 19, 2020
High-level win for @BYUbasketball at @Aztec_MBB. Mark Pope getting it done again. @WCChoops is deep!
— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz) December 19, 2020
The WCC continues to move the needle in non-conference play. BYU becomes the first team this season to beat San Diego State. And the Cougars did it at Viejas Arena.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) December 19, 2020
Yes @BYUbasketball with a big W on the road over @Aztec_MBB 1st L for San Diego St . @WCChoops says we r more than just t he super @ZagMBB program .
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) December 19, 2020
Barcello three was the play of the game. Drained all the momentum from SDSU.
— Roxy Bernstein (@roxybernstein) December 19, 2020
That’s a heck of a win for Mark Pope and BYU against San Diego State. Put up 72 points against one of the best defensive teams In the country. Transfers Alex Barcello and Matt Haarms led the way.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) December 19, 2020
Hey @ncaa, was that considered a home win? We win on that court a lot. @TheShowSDSU
— Boney Fuller (@boneyfuller) December 19, 2020
What a gutsy performance by this squad @BYUbasketball! So proud of this team & the way they competed for 40 minutes! #BYUhoops #GoCougs https://t.co/vr8xEnMBc8
— Chris Burgess (@chrisburgess34) December 19, 2020
BEST LOCKER ROOM IN AMERICA. pic.twitter.com/f5798zaffx
— BYU Basketball (@BYUbasketball) December 19, 2020
https://t.co/V3pbnGJVC4 pic.twitter.com/CG4FdQIT7E
— The ROC (@byuROC) December 19, 2020
Mood. pic.twitter.com/Ri9jIIz9gE
— Daily Universe Sports (@DailyUnivSports) December 19, 2020
https://t.co/oVtaQtY3ET pic.twitter.com/5bd6xbnJSS
— Justin Giles (@JustinGiles_) December 19, 2020
The loss vs Boise State nine days ago feels like it was a long time ago.
Double digit wins vs Utah and SDSU? Let’s go!
— Jarom Jordan (@jaromjordan) December 19, 2020
Two losses to BYU in two sports in one week. Feels bad man
— K30 (@kabeerthirty) December 19, 2020
I’ll never forget the look @jacksonemery04 and @jimmerfredette gave me when they came to the locker room and spotted me in handcuffs! #BYU
— Jimmy Rex (@JimmyRex) December 19, 2020
Classic! https://t.co/4X1RtM0IIb
— Jimmer Fredette (@jimmerfredette) December 19, 2020
Today’s win is BYU’s first non-conference regular season win against a ranked opponent since the 2007-08 season (no. 6 Louisville).
— Greg Wrubell (@gregwrubell) December 19, 2020
Just like football 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— David Nixon (@D_Nixon) December 18, 2020
Are there any other sports we can beat SDSU in this week? Asking for myself.
— Sporty (@SportyMcSports) December 19, 2020
I am actually touched that San Diego State tried its best BYU impression: start slow, get down huge, roar back to tie the game, end up losing a heartbreaker. It was a beautiful, basketball version of wearing a white shirt, tie, and bike helmet. It meant a lot.
— Zach Bloxham (@zblox) December 19, 2020
Of all the commandments the Show has broken over the years, “thou shalt honor thy father” is probably #1. https://t.co/IfRsIEp4Gl
— Joe Wheat (@joewheat27) December 19, 2020
When SDSU loses, we all win.
— Matthew L Glade (@matthewLksl) December 19, 2020
Barcello was the MVP, but so happy for Averette. He had a huge 3 and a big steal and layup to help us seal the game. Hope he gains a ton of confidence after this win
— Ys Guide (@YsGuide) December 19, 2020
Big road win for Mark Pope. Give him credit, he kept his guys hungry, focus, on point, and with chemistry when SDSU was allowed to play handsy aggressive D in a comeback,
— Dick Harmon (@Harmonwrites) December 19, 2020
Huge win for BYU hoop at San Diego State. Mark Pope leading the chest bumps and hugs. See you in the tournament
— Patrick Kinahan (@PKKinahan) December 19, 2020
"This team may not lose another game this season, that's how good they are" – Mark Pope on San Diego State via @CBSSportsNet #BYU #BYUbasketball
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) December 19, 2020
🤗 @CoachMarkPope showing love to the man that secured the W for @BYUbasketball pic.twitter.com/5wz4afSRUR
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) December 19, 2020
Mark Pope is pumped! pic.twitter.com/xK911UcJPx
— Jarom Jordan (@jaromjordan) December 19, 2020
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No. 18 BYU Defeats San Diego State — Here’s All The Best Reactions
