PROVO, Utah (Interstat) — A surging BYU squad looks to continue its dominant start when it hosts Abilene Christian in a nonconference men’s basketball game Friday at the Marriott Center. The No. 8-ranked Cougars (9-1) have won six straight since their only loss, an 86-84 defeat at then-Connecticut on Nov. 15. Their offense has been explosive during the streak, averaging 89.2 points per game and winning by an average margin of 28.7 points. BYU is coming off a 93-57 rout of Pacific on Tuesday, where three players scored at least 22 points. Guard Richie Saunders has been a key catalyst, averaging 19.3 points over his last three games. He scored a season-high 24 points against Pacific. “We’re sharing the ball and playing with great energy,” BYU coach Kevin Young said. “Our focus is on maintaining that defensive intensity that fuels our transition game.” The visiting Wildcats (7-4) aim to rebound from a 96-62 road loss at Arizona on Tuesday. Abilene Christian has shown resilience this season, with notable wins over Pepperdine and New Mexico State, but has struggled against high-major competition. Guard Chilaydrien Newton leads the Wildcats, averaging 12.3 points over his last three contests. He scored 17 points in the loss at Arizona. Joseph Scott, who added 15 points against the Wildcats, provides a secondary scoring option. “BYU is elite offensively, so we have to be near-perfect in our defensive execution and limit their second chances,” Abilene Christian coach Brette Tanner said. “It’s a great opportunity for our team to measure itself.” The game marks the first meeting between the programs. BYU holds a 6-0 record at home this season, while Abilene Christian is 1-3 in true road games. Following this contest, BYU hosts Eastern Washington on Monday. Abilene Christian travels to face Texas Southern on Monday.