BYU loses without Brandon Davies

Losing your best front court player with the conference and NCAA tournaments around the corner can't be a good thing.

BYU found that out on Wednesday night after an 82-64 loss to New Mexico State.

Sophomore forward Brandon Davies was dismissed from the team for the remainder of the season Tuesday for violating a school code. It was reported Davies had sexual relations with his girlfriend. It's against BYU policy to have pre-marital sex.

It's pointless to debate whether the rule is fair or not. Davies knowlingly violated a long-standing university rule.

BYU (27-3, 13-2 MWC), despite its wonderful season, is a no-nonsense institution when it comes to enforcing its principles and ideals. There's a chance Davies could be expelled from the school.  

It was a real struggle for the Cougars, who trailed, 42-26, at the half. New Mexico State (19-11, 7-8) had an easy time holding off BYU.

As for its tournament prospects, the No.3 Cougars are still a good bet to win a few rounds. But they are vulnerable to any team with size. The Lobos outrebounded the Cougars,  36-25.

This means forwards Drew Gordon and A.J. Hardeman will have to get tougher. Gordon played well with 15 points and 16 rebounds. Hardeman added eight rebounds.