Brigham Young Dismantles Irvine

Brigham Young used a second-half push for a 77-66 victory over UC Irvine Wednesday night before 9,574 at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah.

It was another bungled opportunity for the Anteaters to step up in class. Much like games against Oklahoma and California, Irvine didn’t have the staying power to secure the upset. The Anteaters were outscored in the second half, 48-35.

Guard Terrell Lyday gave the Cougars breathing room, scoring 10 consecutive points. His play sparked a 15-3 run that gave Brigham Young (10-2) a 61-49 lead with eight minutes left.

Lyday scored 22 points, 19 in the second half.

The Anteaters (6-4) got as close as 66-60 in the final three minutes, but guard Malachi Edmond turned the ball over and J.R. Christ missed two free throws.

Irvine started quickly, making its first six shots. After Marek Ondera (20 points) made a 10-foot jump shot, Irvine led, 14-1. The Cougars missed two shots and had three turnovers on their first six possessions, getting only Michael Vranes’ free throw in the first five minutes.

But Vranes and Mekeli Wesley finished the half strongly as Brigham Young closed to 31-29 at halftime.