LAS VEGAS — No. 3 seed BYU watched a 17-point second-half lead evaporate before fending off sixth-seeded San Diego in an 85-79 win Saturday in the quarterfinals of the West Coast Conference tourament at Orleans Arena.
Turning point: After San Diego cut its deficit to 79-76 with 23 seconds to play following an and-one from Isaiah Pineiro, Yoeli Childs found an open McKay Cannon for a long pass over the pressing Torero defense, leading to an open layup for an 81-76 lead. Childs then hit two free throws and finished the win off with a slam dunk.
The heroes: Elijah Bryant scored a game-high 27 points to pace the Cougars, shooting 10 of 13 from the field and hitting BYU's only three 3-pointers.