How could he forget? The Cougars embarrassed themselves, failing to score more than 46 points in pathetic performance against a bad Washington State team last December.

"Yeah, I remember," he said.

BYU basketball has changed dramatically in these 12 months, starting at the top. Rose has scooted over a few feet, now as the head coach, installing an up-tempo philosophy that was on full display in Wednesday's 97-74 win over Lamar.

"It was a little bit better tonight." he said.

This version of the Cougars (3-1) resembles nothing like last year's team that often looked like it was playing in a blackout. All five starters, plus several reserves, are capable of doing what the entire team couldn't manage last season.

It took all of 18 minutes for BYU to match last year's output in the Delta Center. By halftime, the Cougars enjoyed a 48-35 lead and had made 19 of 29 shots.

"I'm proud of our guys," Rose said. "We had guys make big plays and big shots early. We got a lead and we kept it throughout."

Eight Cougars scored in the first half, led by Jimmy Balderson with nine points. Rashaun Broadus dished out eight of nine assists.

BYU's bench combined to score 22 points in the first 20 minutes. Forward Keena Young was especially active, with eight points in eight minutes.

"For the most part I was pleased with our preparation, focus and execution," Rose said. "It wasn't just the starters tonight. This was a team win."

Rose was most pleased that his team matched Lamar's style. Longtime coach Billy Tubbs prefers an offense that rarely runs plays.

About the only time Tubbs gets off the bench is to complain. He did just that several times before getting ejected with 12:48 left in the game.

BYU's 69-51 lead probably contributed to his early exit.

"BYU played great," said Lamar assistant coach Kermit Holmes. "I've been watching a lot of basketball and I haven't seen many teams shoot like that. If they keep shooting that way, they are going to be tough to beat."

The Cougars only had two lapses, once in each half. Both times they quickly responded to restore momentum.

BYU's most impressive stretch may have come in the second half, after Cardinals had gone on an 8-0 run in the first two minutes. Trent Plaisted converted a three-point play, igniting a 12-0 run to open a 20-point lead.

Jimmy Balderson capped the streak with his own field goal and accompanying free throw. Balderson and Plaisted combined to score 37 points.

"Everyone contributed to this win," Balderson said. "We're really excited to come to the Delta Center and keep our streak going. It's up to three now."

Brock Reichner and Jackson Emery alternated the toughest defensive assignment, trying to contain high scoring Alan Daniels. The Lamar forward, who exploded for 41 points Monday against Memphis, scored 23 points but shot 6-for-20 from the field.

He also had eight of his team's 19 turnovers. BYU's only drawback was allowing him to shoot 12 free throws.

"For the most part, except for a few silly fouls, we did a good job of making him work really hard for his shots," Rose said.

The Cougars go for their fourth consecutive win Saturday against Southern California in Los Angeles. They didn't get win No. 4 against Division I opponents until after Christmas last year.

BYU 97, Lamar 74

* The Cougars shoot lights out all game, finishing at 56 percent from the floor.

* Jimmy Balderson and Trent Plaisted continued to carry the scoring the load, combining for 37 points.

* Every BYU player who dressed got into the game, with 12 of the 13 scoring.