LAS VEGAS - BYU can’t quite figure how to beat St. Mary’s this year. They will be facing the Gaels for the third time and third time's a charm, right? I sure hope so. I might have to channel my superstitious side of myself and find a way to help them win like I did against Gonzaga.

Anyone can score on this SMC team and it is easy for them to get a big lead. They have 2nd best defense for points allowed. They only allow 56 points a game. It didn’t go unnoticed the last time they played BYU.

It will be interesting which BYU team starts the game. I think they will be ready to rock-n-roll tonight. Despite having no bench along with the poor play I have seen stranger things happen. It is the same team that fought back from 16 down to shock #1 Gonzaga.

Defense is a huge key tonight. BYU can get things done offensively with Eric Mika to get the offense going but he does need some help from the team. The bench has to provide a spark and some offense.

Will they survive to see another day or fall to St. Mary’s for the third time?

Spencer Taylor is a Contributor for Cougar Nation. Follow him on Twitter: @Spence_Tay.