BYU Wins First Exhibition 78-37

Opening up the 2001-2002 season, BYU defeated Mirabol Bansika Bystrica from Slovakia 78-37 at the Marriott Center, Saturday. After a slow 25-15 first half, the Cougars scored 52 second half points in a blowout.

All-American Erin Thorn led BYU with nine points in only 18 minutes of play. She made three 3-pointers and had three steals. Freshman Danielle Cheesman scored nine points as well in 18 minutes of play with six rebounds. Lisa Hansen and Melanie Pearson, both transfer students playing for the first time in a BYU uniform, scored eight points a piece coming off the bench. Junior Brittany Larson also scored eight points off the bench.

"I'm really happy with the way we came out in the second half," said head coach Jeff Judkins. "I'm happy with the way the both freshman Danielle Cheesman and Kaly Taylor played in their first collegiate game. Brittany Larson had one of her best games I've seen.

All BYU players in uniform logged quality minutes for the Cougars.

Up next for the Cougars in exhibition is NWBL on Thursday at the Marriott Center. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.