Kruger breaks down BYU "D" and success

On Monday’s MWC teleconference call with reporters,UNLV’s coach was was asked to break down BYU’s ability to defend and disrupt offenses.

“They play great defense,” said UNLV coach Lon Kruger. “It always is good defense when a team plays together and helps each other and use one another. It takes good teamwork to play five on five defense. Many times people think good defense is one-on-one but it takes a cohesive effort.”

Kruger also praised BYU’s balance in scoring, gettin the ball to the right people at the right time. “It helps that they have a lot of good shooters. They are very well coached in establishing and knowing their roles and that’s what makes a good team.”

The Cougars moved to within looking distance of national rankings on Monday. The USA Today poll had the Cougars first in line after the Top 25 in the “others receiving votes” with 19 points. Kansas State is No. 25.

ESPN’s Joe Lundardi has the Cougars a No. 7 seed facing Ohio State in the East Regional (Charlotte) in Anaheim sub regional.