See John write

When I read in the paper (before the game) all the quotes from the players about how they were aware of BYU’s history of poor showings in the NCAA tournament, I knew they were in trouble. It’s tough enough in the win-or-go-home format to just lace up the sneakers and beat the team in front of you. (Ask Duke about that one.) But when a team feels like they’re carrying the weight of 15 years of futility, there’s no way they can play the way they need to.

The Cougars started tight. They struggled to run anything that resembled their offense and they looked scared on defense.

They did settle down. But only after falling behind 11 to 0. Yuck.

So that’s reason number 1. Next year, let’s not remind the Cougars about all the past failures. Let’s let them just go out and play. For brief glimpses last night, you could see how great this team is  when they just relax and play their game.

But for most of the game they seemed lost.

Everyone who read anything about the game beforehand knew that one of Texas A&M’s keys to success is offensive rebounds. But time and again when the situation was most critical, the Cougars failed to remember to box out and fight for rebounds.

Speaking of fighting, the Aggies are a big, physical team that literally pushed the Cougars around. The refs were letting it go and the Cougars never adjusted, never responded with physical play of their own. (See photo.) This was a scrappy, backyard game and the Cougars seemed to want no part of it.

Then there was the free throw line. The team was 7-14 for a measly 50%. Just make three more of those and the end of the game is a whole different scenario.

One of the things that made this Cougar team a good team was the way they shared the ball. They were always  willing to pass up a good shot for a better shot. It has made them tough to defend. However, I have to say that in a tight spot like the NCAA tournament, you have to make sure your best players are taking more of the shots. Lee Cummard, the conference player of the year, was 5-9 with 14 points. While true freshmen, Jimmer Fredette and Chris Collinsworth and sophomore Chris Miles were a combined 6 for 17. At least seven of those shots should have been Cummard’s. There are other discrepancies, but suffice it to say, the Cougars have got to learn how to lean on their best players a little more when it’s crunch time.

Well that’s it. I hate waiting for next year! These last two Cougar teams have been too good not to have had some success in the tournament. It’s just a shame.