There are two directions the BYU Cougars are considering when they meet No. 15 New Mexico tonight at 7 in The Pit. The first - and preferable - option is if they're close and have a chance to win at the end. In that case they'll go all-out for the upset.
The more likely scenario is that they'll be getting blown out. In that case, don't expect to see the main players hanging around for the finish."I think there are a couple of things that are important. No. 1 is if we are in the game and can take it down to the wire, it would be a great confidence-builder," said assistant coach Dave Rose. "However, if the game gets away from us, we don't want to wear guys out for no reason."
In other words, they'll save the starters for Saturday's game at UTEP, which will likely decide which team makes it to the WAC Tournament.
It's a long shot, but the Cougars could clear up the business of gaining a berth in the tournament once and for all. That would take beating the No. 15-ranked Lobos in The Pit, then UTEP in El Paso in the final game of the regular season.
"If we sweep the trip, no matter what, we're in the WAC Tournament," continued Rose. "People say our chances aren't really good, but the reality of it is if we have a chance to win it at the end against New Mexico, that's good. If not, then we don't want to wear ourselves out for Saturday's game against UTEP."
Beating El Paso on the road is a major job for the Cougars, given they have won only seven games all year. But beating New Mexico in The Pit will take far more. The Cougars have beaten the Lobos on the road only one of the last six meetings. New Mexico has won 41 straight home games.
"New Mexico's tradition of playing at home and its winning streak is on the minds of everyone. In three of our last four games we have played our best basketball," said Cleveland. "We want that to carry over to the New Mexico game. We know it is a huge challenge, but the tone set Thursday night will have a lot to do on how we play Saturday."
The Cougars are relatively healthy, and no one is expected to miss due to injuries. Even Jared Peterson, who has been bothered all year with ankle problems, practiced this week. Meanwhile, New Mexico has two strikes against it. First, guard Royce Olney has an injured knee and could be gone for the season. Second, the Lobos are coming off a 31-point loss to TCU last week. Olney is the league's leading 3-point shooter (.513), followed by teammate Clayton Shields (.443). Forward Kenny Thomas is second in the WAC in field goal percentage (.536), seventh in scoring (17.7) and fourth in rebounding (9.3). New Mexico leads the WAC in 3-point percentage (.424) and free-throw percentage (.749).
BYU is 2-10 in the WAC and 7-20 overall, while UNM is 11-1 and 21-4.