All-Time Mountain West Basketball: No. 4 BYU vs. No. 13 Nevada
2011 BYU vs. 2019 Nevada is a heck of a first round matchup.
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Two conference champions square off.
Facing off against the National Player is a tough task for any team. BYU’s Jimmer Fredette was a bad dude in 2011. Nevada has some size they can throw at him, so switching everything could be a strategy they employ to slow him down.
The size will be an interesting matchup, as BYU has three rotation players who are 6’7” or taller, while Nevada has an entire starting lineup at 6’7” or taller. Both teams play up tempo ball, so this series should be full of shootouts.
Keys for Nevada: Finish and draw fouls close to the rim; switch everything and keep Jimmer off of his spots.
Keys for BYU: Draw fouls and hit free throws, use Nevada’s depth against them; pack the paint, Nevada is only average from behind the arc, so force them to beat you outside and not inside with their length.
Game 1: Marriott Center, Series tied 0-0.
Nevada Struggles from the field in Game 1.
Game 2- Marriot Center, BYU leads series 1-0
Nevada is still struggling, and Jimmer goes off to give BYU a 2-0 series lead.
Game 3- Lawlor Events Center, BYU leads series 2-0.
Game 4- Lawlor Events Center, BYU leads series 3-0.
Caleb Martin has a great game to keep Nevada from getting swept.
Game 5- Marriott Center, BYU leads series 3-1.
BYU wins the series at home in 5 games. Nevada just couldn’t get going offensively.
