The BYU Cougars got a career night from Elijah Bryant on their way to a 97-78 win over the Portland Pilots on the road Thursday night. Bryant finished with 39 points while connecting on 7 of 12 shots from beyond the arc and all 12 of his free throws.

He had plenty of help as three other Cougars scored in double figures, including Eric Mika who totaled 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Nick Emery added 16 points on 50 percent shooting from beyond the arc while Steven Beo totaled 12 points and three rebounds off the bench.

Gabe Taylor led the way for the Pilots — who fell to 10-20 on the season — with 18 points on 10 for 11 shooting from the free-throw line while Xavier Hallinan chipped in 17 points.

Why the Cougars won

The Cougars got off to a hot shooting start and never looked back. They scored 33 points and held a 16-point lead before the clock hit the midway point of the first half and shot well enough the rest of the way to come away with the convincing win.

The turning point

After giving up the first basket of the night, the Cougars scored 14 of the next 15 points to open up an 11-point lead. Bryant was key in the early run with three 3-point shots.

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