Clemson draws tough assignment trying to slow No. 9 BYU

Clemson is the latest team to draw the task of trying to slow down BYU’s dominant starting lineup when the Tigers and the No. 9 Cougars clash at Madison Square Garden in New York on Tuesday.BYU has struggled with getting production from its thin bench. But the starting five are so explosive on offense and tough on defense that a lack of depth hasn’t mattered a ton up to this point.Through eight games, four of BYU’s starters (7-1) are averaging 10 or more points per game.Keba Keita became the latest starter to showcase offensive prowess. He scored 22 points — his most since transferring to BYU from Utah — to go along with 14 rebounds and three blocks in the Cougars’ 91-60 win over California Baptist on Wednesday.All five starters scored in double figures against the Lancers with Keita leading the charge.”It was good to see him get rewarded, because he does so much dirty work for everyone else,” BYU coach Kevin Young told KSL.com after the game.Robert Wright III has been a steady force in getting all the starting five playing at peak efficiency. Wright dished out 11 assists against Cal Baptist — one more than the 10 assists the Lancers totaled as a team.The Baylor transfer pulled off a similar feat in a 98-70 victory over Wisconsin. He also dished out 11 assists in that game — three more than the eight assists that the Badgers had as a team.”It’s like I’ve said previously, I think he’s the best point guard in the country,” BYU forward AJ Dybantsa told KSL.com. “When he’s playing like that, we’re blowing teams out.”Clemson can give the Cougars a tougher test than many of those previous opponents.

Video Highlights