BYU visits Iowa State for first time since 2002

After a three-game win streak was snapped by back-to-back losses, the Cougars look to get back in the win column as they travel to face the Iowa State Cyclones at Hilton Coliseum for the first time since 2002.

Author Austin Rustand
Amari Whiting defends an Iowa State guard during a BYU women's basketball game.Amari Whiting defends an Iowa State guard during a BYU women's basketball game.

PROVO, Utah — After a three-game win streak was snapped by back-to-back losses, the Cougars look to get back in the win column as they travel to face the Iowa State Cyclones at Hilton Coliseum for the first time since 2002. 

Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. CT with the game broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. Fans can also tune in to BYU Radio 107.9, BYURadio.org and the BYU Radio App for live play-by-play with Jason Shepherd.

Matchup Breakdown

The Cougars and Cyclones have met three times in series history with the first meeting coming in 1992 and the most recent coming last month, with BYU leading the all-time series 2-1. It has been 22 years since the Cougars last visited Hilton Coliseum on March 18, 2002, when BYU beat Iowa State 75-69 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

All-Time: 2-1

In Provo: 1-1

In Ames: 1-0

At Neutral Site: 0-0

Iowa State

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BYU Cougars (15-13, 5-10 Big 12 Conference)

THE STARTING GUARD LINE IS CRUCIAL: BYU’s starting guard line is the silver bullet for the team’s success. As the guard line goes, the Cougars go. In BYU’s 15 wins this season, the starting guard line of Amari Whiting, Kailey Woolston and Kaylee Smiler combine for 34.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, 10.6 assists, 3.3 steals and 1.8 blocks. 

In the 12 losses, the Cougar guard line’s stat line decreases in every category as the three combine for just 28.1 points (-6.5), 8.3 rebounds (-4.5), 9.7 assists (-0.9), 3.1 steals (-0.2), 1.5 blocks (-0.3).

BACK-TO-BACK BIG 12 PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Gustin averaged 27.5 points and 16.5 rebounds last week, including a career-high 33 points against the Kansas Jayhawks, to become the first Big 12 player this season to earn at least a share of the conference Player of the Week honor in back-to-back weeks.

Through 28 games, Gustin leads the nation in total rebounds (433), rebounding average (15.5), defensive rebounds per game (10.4), double-doubles (26) and is 3rd in offensive rebounds per contest (5.1). Gustin also leads the Cougars in scoring at 16.9 points per game on 52.2 percent shooting from the field and minutes played at 36.6.

On Jan. 20, Lauren Gustin became the all-time leading rebounder in BYU women’s basketball history with 1,554 rebounds and counting. The previous record of 1,482 was set by 1980 National Player of the Year Tina Gunn Robison and stood for 44 years. With 1,623 rebounds and counting, Gustin has become the fifth all-time leading rebounder in the history of NCAA women’s basketball. 

TURNOVER TROUBLE: Ball security is key to the Cougars’ success, however, BYU averages 17.0 turnovers per game this season. The Cougs have turned the ball over more than their opponent in all but five games this season and hold a 25-25 record when posting a negative turnover margin under Whiting.

In Big 12 play, the Cougars turnover the rock 15.5 times per game and have given up 17.5 points off turnovers.

MAGIC NUMBER...66 POINTS OR LESS: Coach Whiting prides her team on their ability to defend. Her defense has held opponents to 65.4 points per game this season and 15 of its 27 opponents to 66 or fewer points. When holding teams under the 66-point threshold, BYU is 14-1, including three-straight wins over No. 18 Baylor, Cincinnati and UCF.

Head Coach – Amber Whiting

  • Alma Mater: BYU, 2001
  • Division I Career Record: 31-30 (2nd Season)
  • Record at BYU:  31-30 (2nd Season)

Iowa State Cyclones (15-10, 8-6 Big 12 Conference)

FRESHMAN PHENOM: Audi Crooks has burst on the scene for the Cyclones earning four Big 12 Freshman of the Week honors this season. Crooks is three points from claiming the Iowa State all-time freshman record for points in a season. The Algona, Iowa native sits at 458 points with three games to play in the regular season.

SEEING DOUBLE: Audi Crooks and Addy Brown each finished with double-doubles at Houston, the second time this season the freshman duo has managed the feat. Crooks finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds while Brown recorded 16 points and 13 rebounds en route to a 76-64 win over the Houston Cougars. 

DROPPING DIMES: Cyclone point guard Emily Ryan is 37 assists from setting the all-time Iowa State record for assists in a career. The senior finished with 11 points three assists and a rebound in the first meeting between BYU and Iowa State. Ryan has recorded at least one assist in every game she has played at Iowa State. 

Head Coach – Bill Fennelly

  • Alma Mater: William Penn, 1979
  • Division I Career Record: 771-364 (36th Season)
  • Record at Iowa State: 605-311 (29th Season)

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