Cougars Defeat Foreign Team in First Game of Season

PROVO -- A strong second half helped the BYU women's basketball team defeat Manukau, a foreign team from New Zealand, 86-52, Friday night at the Marriott Center.

The Cougars started slow, but held a 39-28 halftime lead. Sophomore All-American Erin Thorn had eight points at the half and finished with a team-high 20 points. Chanell Rose had nine points in the first half and finished the game with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Brittany Larson finished with 12 points and nine boards, while teammate Caroline Beus led BYU with 12 rebounds. The Cougars defense held Manukau to 29.5 percent shooting for the game while out-rebounding their opponent 67-34.

"It was only our first game, but we've still got a long way to go," said head coach Trent Shippen. "We played with a lot more enthusiasm and energy in the second half. I was pleased with the overall team effort."

Thorn sparked BYU's offense in the second half, scoring 12 points en route to 20 for the game. She knocked down four three pointers in the second half and finished 6-of-12 for the game from behind the three-point line.

BYU will next play an alumni exhibition game, Nov. 11 at 4:30 p.m., in the Marriott Center. The Cougars then open the season traveling to the University of Arizona, Nov. 18.