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BYU Basketball: Three Goals Against Portland

BYU looks to win their third-straight game against Portland on Thursday night.
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BYU is coming off two critical road victories in WCC play as they prepare to host Portland on Thursday night. BYU is highly favored - KenPom gives BYU a 97% chance win on Thursday night. While the outcome might not be in doubt come the second half, here are three goals for BYU against Portland:

1. Shoot well from deep

BYU shot just 6/28 (21%) from three against Saint Mary's and San Francisco. That brought BYU's 3PT% down to 32.8% - that ranks 203 out of 347 teams. BYU's defense has won them some games lately, but they would be a very dangerous team come March if they can add improved three-point shooting on top of that. The first goal for BYU on Thursday is to shoot 35% from three as a team.

2. Improve net rating

BYU currently ranks #34 in net ranking. The net rating is an efficiency rating that helps determine seeding in the NCAA tournament. The second goal for the Cougars is to leave the Marriot Center with a better net rating than when they arrived.

3. Get to the free throw line

Less than 16% of BYU's points come from the free throw line - that ranks 278 out of 347 teams. The third and final goal for BYU against the Pilots is to manufacture points from the free throw line.

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