The BYU Cougars turned up the defensive pressure late to beat the Portland Pilots 73-62 in the Marriott Center on Saturday night.

Eric Mika led the way for the Cougars with 23 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks while Yoeli Childs added a double-double of his own, finishing with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

TJ Haws added 15 points while L.J. Rose chipped in with 10 points, five assists and four rebounds as the Cougars improved to 17-8, including 8-4 in WCC action.

Gabe Taylor paced the Pilots with 20 points while D’Marques Tyson managed 13 points in a tough setback.

Why the Cougars won

The defense stepped up and got stops when the Cougars absolutely needed it as the Pilots didn’t score from the floor for the last 5:12 of the game.

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