No. 19 BYU doesn't let up against Fresno State

Field Level Media|published: Fri 1st December, 23:09 2023

Dec 1, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Spencer Johnson (20) lays the ball up against the Fresno State Bulldogs during the first half at Delta Center. credits: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Jaxson Robinson scored 24 points and Spencer Johnson added 22 as both set career highs in No. 19 BYU's 85-56 win over Fresno State on Friday at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

Robinson was 6-of-8 shooting from 3-point range for BYU (7-0), which led by as many as 32 and cruised to the nonconference win. Richie Saunders had 12 points and Trevin Knell chipped in 10 points.

Isaiah Hill led Fresno State (3-4) with 14 points, while Jalen Weaver scored 10 points. The Bulldogs committed 21 turnovers and shot 46.8 percent from the field, including 4-of-12 (33.3 percent) from 3-point range.

BYU led by 13 at the half and drew clear in the first four minutes after the break. Dallin Hall's layup capped an 8-0 run and put the Cougars ahead 49-28 with 16:12 remaining.

Fresno State struggled to take care of the ball throughout the game and was unable to make a charge in the second half. Saunders scored with 7:05 left to cap a 14-2 run and push BYU's lead to 72-44.

The Cougars, who entered the game ranked sixth nationally in scoring offense at 92.3 points per game, connected on 49.3 percent of their shots and were 11-of-29 (37.9 percent) from beyond the arc.

Fresno State opened the game with Xavier DuSell's basket for its only lead of the game. BYU quickly moved ahead 19-7 and led 29-13 after Robinson hit a 3-pointer with 8:17 left.

The Cougars held a 36-23 advantage at the half after scoring 15 points off 11 Fresno State turnovers. Johnson scored 14 points in the first half to lead all scorers. Hill had seven for Fresno State.

Donavan Yap Jr. was held to three points after entering the game as Fresno State's second-leading scorer at 12.3 points per game.

—Field Level Media