Iowa State Cyclones vs BYU Cougars: Game preview and prediction

Almost 11 months ago, Iowa State (3-0) had their first real test of the 2012-13 season at Hilton Coliseum against BYU (4-0), eventally pulling away thanks to Will Clyburn’s 32-point performance.

But winning at home hasn’t been hard for the Cyclones. Their first road game of the season could be an even tougher challenge than defeating a top ten team they were favored to win against.

Nov 17, 2013; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclone forward Dustin Hogue (22) shoots over guard Nik Stauskas (11) of the Michigan Wolverines at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

(21)Iowa State Cyclones at BYU Cougars

Marriott Center | Provo, Utah
Tip-off: Wed, 8:30 PM CT | TV: ESPNU

Last season, Iowa State had three non-conference games away from the state of Iowa – two losses against ranked Cincinnati and UNLV in Las Vegas, and a layup win at Missouri-Kansas City. Once again, ISU’s biggest road challenge is at a Mountain West opponent.

The Cyclones eventually pulled away from the Cougars last year. BYU got it down to a three-point ISU lead with 2:14 to go in the first half until the Cyclones went on an 8-0 run to end the half and piled on four more points before the Cougars scored again.

Tyler Haws expected to play

It was announced later Tuesday night that BYU expects junior guard Tyler Haws to play in the game. He missed the last two games with a lower abdominal strain.

Haws has been an immediate impact and was one of the keys to the Cougar’s road victory over Stanford during ESPN’s Tip-Off Marathon last week. Here’s more about Haws and other players to watch tonight.

What to watch for

Nov 11, 2013; Stanford, CA, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Tyler Haws (3) takes a shot against Stanford Cardinal forward/center John Gage (40) during the second half at Maples Pavilion. The Brigham Young Cougars defeated the Stanford Cardinal 112-103. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

There are three things that Iowa State will need to slow down in order to come away with a win at Provo: slowing down BYU’s offense, preventing easy ball movement, and getting the rebounds.

In comparison, the Cougars don’t have the stifling defense nor the three-point shooting that Michigan has. But they average over 100 points a game this season with an astonishing 52.6 shooting percentage. They’ve made an average of 37 field goals per game, which is best in the nation.

That field goal percentage is high because BYU doesn’t make mistakes on offense. They have a +2.23 assist-to-turnover average, which is third best nationally. The Cougars also give themselves more possessions, averaging 45.7 rebounds per game.

Iowa State needs to find a way to limit those possessions and put pressure on their backcourt, or it could be a very long night defensively.

Prediction

Coming off of a high, emotional game and heading on the road is always dangerous in any sport. But Fred Hoiberg has done an incredible job of keeping the team focused on a game-by-game basis, and that was truly tested through all of last season with plenty of heartbreaking losses.

This should be a high-scoring affair. BYU won’t hit their average, but Iowa State should expect the Cougars to score around 80. Even if Melvin Ejim plays sparingly in this game, there’s enough depth that can make up for his rebounding, but the Cyclones would miss his presence inside.

Three-point shots have to fall at some point during the game for ISU, and it’s critical to at least keep up with BYU on the boards like they did with Michigan. They’ll give up a lot of points, but the Cyclones should come out with a hard-fought victory.

IAST 83, BYU 78 (Odds: IAST +7, Total N/A)