BYU looking to avoid defensive lapses on road, starting at Pepperdine

Steve Griffin, Deseret News

MALIBU, Calif. — BYU has won only one true road game this season, which doesn't bode well for a team that’s embarking on a two-game road swing.

The first stop Thursday (9 p.m. MST, ESPNU) is Pepperdine, where the Cougars have struggled historically. Last February, BYU won at Firestone Fieldhouse for the first time in five years — and needed overtime to accomplish that.

“We don’t shoot the ball very well in there. That’s one consistent thing,” said coach Dave Rose. “I hope that things can change. Last year we got a win in there, so this group of guys should have confidence going in there and winning. It’s a grind for us. Hopefully, guys will be on top of things. I…