The loss snapped BYU’s nine-game winning streak and was its first in West Coast Conference play. The Cougars fell to 12-3 overall. The Gaels improved to 13-2 and 2-0 in league.
Trailing 31-29 at halftime, the Gaels missed their first six shots in the second half and the Cougars rolled out to a 38-30 lead. Saint Mary’s cut it to 50-49 on an 3-pointer by Emmett Naar, but Childs and Elijah Bryant scored to get the crowd back in it with five minutes remaining. Bryant had 16 points for BYU.
However, the Cougars had three straight empty possessions, and Saint Mary’s went on a 7-0 run to get its first lead since 7:43 remained in the first half.