BYU’s football win over UCF was the main Cougar storyline of the day, but the hoops team had an important game of their own.

BYU basketball played Boise State in a closed scrimmage Saturday in the Marriott Center. NCAA rules allow preseason “secret” scrimmages between Division One teams, but they must be closed to the public and the two participating schools are not allowed to publicize them, meaning no fans or media will be allowed. Teams are allowed up to two preseason exhibitions/scrimmages. BYU plays an exhibition game October 30 vs Colorado Christian.

A quick overview of Boise State. The Broncos are very good. They were a NCAA Tournament team last year and are the preseason pick to win the MWC. They are a veteran team led by MWC preseason player of the year Tyson Degenhart. Boise State stomped Washington 92-69 in a scrimmage last week.

I received a box score of the game, but will not be posting a screen shot as to not overshare and reveal which players were held out.

BYU won the game 91-86. BYU held out 4 scholarship players; sources tell me they were held out for precautionary reasons and are minor reasons. Boise State, meanwhile, played with its top players. The Broncos played 11 players and BYU played 9 guys. Degenhart was as good as advertised for Boise State, pouring in 31 points on the Cougars.

BYU was led by Richie Saunders. Richie led BYU with 25 points, 6 steals(!), and was 9-10 from the foul line. Five total BYU players scored in double figures. Dawson Baker was BYU’s second-leading scorer with 19 points, and Trevin Knell shot 4-8 from distance. Egor Demin led all players with 8 assists.

BYU led for nearly 39 minutes and won the turnover battle 20-8. BYU as a team shot 41% from three and held the Broncos to 30% from distance. BYU’s biggest lead was 11 points and Boise State’s biggest lead was 2 points, which came 30 seconds into the game.

BYU’s next game is an exhibtion October 30 versus Colorado Christian before opening the regular season versus Central Arkansas November 5.