PROVO — Tyler Haws is only three points shy of eclipsing BYU legend Danny Ainge at No. 2 on the school’s all-time scoring list.
Haws has scored 2,465 points while Ainge racked up 2,467 points during his time in Provo.
“Danny was a great player. It’s just an honor to have my name up there with him,” said Haws. “You’ve got to give all the credit to my teammates. I just want to get a win. Everything’s better when you win.”
The Cougars halted a two-game losing streak Thursday night with a victory over San Francisco, 78-74. Haws led all scorers with 28 points, and he should surpass Ainge early Saturday night (7 p.m. MST, BYUtv) when BYU hosts Santa Clara.
Guard Kyle Collinsworth took a hard fall late in the game against USF, injuring his hip and back while trying to track down a rebound. He was evaluated after the game, but his status for Saturday's game is unclear.
While Haws needs just three points to top Ainge, BYU has been struggling mightily from 3-point range lately.
In its last two games, the Cougars have made just 6 of 35 shots from 3-point territory.
The Cougars fell at San Diego a week ago, but they found other ways to defeat San Francisco Thursday night.
BYU has been one of the nation’s top 3-point shooting teams this season, but it has been slumping of late.
“You have those nights,” said Haws. “This team is full of shooters. And shooters are just going to keep shooting. They’re looking for their next good look. We’re not going to change what we’re doing. We’re going to keep sharing the ball, keep moving it around, and keep taking our shots.”
Against USF, Chase Fischer was 1 of 8 from 3-point territory while Haws was 1 of 5. As a team, the Cougars were 3 of 20, just days after going 3 of 15 at San Diego.
What’s the mindset when the 3-pointers are not falling?
“We just try to be aggressive,” Haws said. “We got to the foul line a little bit in the second half when we were in the bonus (against USF). You just have to play on attack and get to the rim and score in other ways.”
Haws trails BYU’s career scoring leader, Jimmer Fredette, by 134 points. Fredette finished with 2,599 points — a record that was set four years ago. Ainge held the school scoring record for 30 years before being unseated by Fredette.
“It’s amazing to see first-hand and being able to play with such a tremendous player,” guard Anson Winder said of Haws. “He’s one of the top players in the country. To be along for the ride and watch him capitalize on this feat is amazing. I’m glad I can be a part of it.”
Earlier this month, BYU blasted Santa Clara, 81-46. The Broncos saw their four-game win streak snapped Thursday night at San Diego, 69-64.
Santa Clara is led by guard Brandon Clark (16.3 points per game) and Jared Brownridge (14.3 ppg).