3 keys in BYU’s 74-68 win over Missouri State

Brigham Young Cougars guard Te’Jon Lucas (3) drives around Texas Southern Tigers guard PJ Henry (3) for a shot as BYU and Texas Southern play an NCAA basketball game at the Marriott Center in Provo on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021. BYU won 81-64. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

No. 12 BYU bounced back from its loss at Utah Valley last Wednesday with a hard-fought 74-68 victory at Missouri State — one that coach Mark Pope hopes will become a Quad 1 win.

Here are three keys to the Cougars’ win:

• BYU guards Alex Barcello (21 points) and Te’Jon Lucas (17 points) did most of their scoring in the second half, particularly over the final 11 minutes.
• Cougar guard Spencer Johnson was 3 of 3 from 3-point range and finished with 14 points and six rebounds while Caleb Lohner collected 10 points and six rebounds. Forward Seneca Knight made a couple of big defensive plays down the stretch that helped preserve the win.
• BYU held Missouri State to 41% shooting from the field, including 5 of 18 from 3-point territory.