New Mexico upsets #3 BYU

New Mexico (19-11, 7-8 MWC) got a big upset road victory against #3 BYU (27-3, 13-2 MWC) by a score of 82-64. The Lobos jumped on the Cougars early and never really let the game get that close. It was BYU's first game without big man Brandon Davies, who was suspended for an honor code violation (more on that in a moment). BYU just didn't look like they knew what hit them and New Mexico played better and with more energy from start to finish.

Even without Davies, this game is a complete shocker. BYU rarely loses at home and I don't remember the last time they got blown out at home. It's definitely a big win for the Lobos, who are looking to ride this momentum into their home finale against Air Force (15-13, 6-9 MWC) on Saturday and then to the conference tournament next week. I think the win is a huge testament to New Mexico coach Steve Alford, who clearly knows how to get his team up for big games. The Lobos are the only MWC team to beat BYU this year as they swept the Cougars.

This a really tough loss for BYU as it basically ends all conversations about them being a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. BYU still will likely get a share of the conference title and the top seed in the conference tournament next week, they only have to beat Wyoming (10-19, 3-12 MWC) to ensure this. However, the loss really has to sting. Jimmer Fredette looked completely disconsolate after the game, like he was going to throw up; so I know he is taking the loss hard. This means the Cougars will have a tougher draw in the NCAA Tournament, but they are still a talented team that can do some damage. I found it interesting that BYU coach Dave Rose had Fredette and Jackson Emery on the bench to the end of the game, maybe he figured it was out of reach? Or was he unhappy with the two? I don't think there is a rift between Coach Rose and his players by any means, it was just an interesting thing to see. If anything, this shows that the Mountain West Tournament in Las Vegas next week could be very entertaining and unpredictable.

I'm not a BYU fan, but definitely identify myself as LDS. I think the whole Brandon Davies situation is rather sad for the team and that Davies didn't act wisely at all. But I am also glad that a school that is owned by the church I belong to has enough moral strength to uphold its self-imposed code of ethics. Pat Forde of espn.com wrote an article on this that I think highlights what an admirable stand BYU is taking. Again, I'm not rejoicing in the whole thing, it's too bad that the whole situation happened, I'm just glad that BYU and the church I belong to are taking a stand on morals even though a lot of schools around the country don't tend to do so.