Cougars look for first Big 12 win as they host Iowa State on Saturday

PROVO, Utah — BYU hosts the Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday, Jan. 6 as the Cougars search for their first Big 12 conference win. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. MT at the Marriott Center.

The game will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ with Spencer Linton and Kristen Kozlowski on the call. Fans can also tune in to live play-by-play with Jason Shepherd on BYU Radio 107.9 FM, BYU Radio.org and the BYU Radio app.

Matchup Breakdown

BYU and Iowa State have only met twice on the hardwood with the most recent meeting coming in the 2002 NCAA Tournament when the Cougars knocked off the No. 10 Cyclones 75-69 to advance to the program’s first Sweet 16. 

All-Time: BYU leads 2-0

In Provo: BYU leads 1-0

In Ames: BYU trails 1-0

At Neutral Site: N/A

BYU Cougars (10-5, 0-2 Big 12)

CLOSING IN ON HISTORY: Through 15 games, Gustin leads the nation in total rebounds (238), rebounding average (15.9), defensive rebounds per game (10.9) and double-doubles (13) and is third in offensive rebounds per contest (5.0). The senior is 54 rebounds away from breaking the all-time BYU rebounding record held by Tina Gunn. She is also scoring 16.3 points per contest on 54 percent shooting from the field.

SHARING THE ROCK: The Cougars have assisted on 243 of 375 (.648) made field goals this season and have had at least three or more players score in double figures in 12 of the first 15 contests. 

A DROUGHT FROM RANGE: Despite finishing non-conference play as the 11th-best three-point shooting team in the country and 1st in the Big 12 at 38.9 percent, the Cougars have struggled to hit shots from beyond the arc in Big 12 play. BYU has gone 19-57 (33.3 percent) in its first two conference games, the 7th-best mark in the Big 12.

TURNOVER TROUBLE: Coach Whiting has made it clear that ball security is key to the Cougars’ success, however, her squad averages 17.8 turnovers per game so far this season. BYU has turned the ball over more than its opponent in every game this season and holds a 21-21 record when posting a negative turnover margin.

Head Coach – Amber Whiting

• Alma Mater: BYU, 2001
• Division I Career Record: 26-22 (2^nd Season)
• Record at BYU:  26-22 (2^nd Season)

Iowa State (9-4, 2-0 Big 12 Conference)

WIN 600 FOR COACH FENNELLY?: With the Cyclones win over the Kansas Jayhawks on Wednesday, head coach Bill Fennelly now boasts a 599-305 (.662) record in 29 seasons at Iowa State. He will be in search of his 600th win as the Iowa State head coach on Saturday when his Cyclones take on the Cougars.

CLEANING THE BOARDS: The Cyclones have owned the glass this year as they rank 5th in the NCAA defensive rebounds per game (33.5) and 1st in the Big 12, 12th/2nd in rebounding margin (13.5) and 21st/2nd in rebounds per game (44.23). They also have four players grabbing five or more rebounds per game, Brown (9.3), Crooks (6.0), Isnelle Natabou (5.8) and Jalynn Bristow (5.3) with Diew and Kelsey Joens just shy at 4.7 and 4.6, respectively.

GETTING EVERYONE INVOLVED: Iowa State’s roster is full of players who can score the basketball. The Cyclones have eight players that average over 6.3 points per game with their three leading scorers scoring more than 10 per game. Audi Crooks leads ISU with 16.1 points, Addy Brown is second with 14.5 and Nyamer Diew is third with 10.2 points per contest.

AUDI CROOKS: Crooks was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Week for the second time in three weeks on Tuesday. The ISU freshman is averaging a team-high 16.1 points on 64.3 percent shooting to go along with 6.0 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.6 blocks per game. The freshman scored her 200th point of her young career against Kansas on Wednesday.

Head Coach – Bill Fennelly

• Alma Mater: William Penn, 1979
• Division I Career Record: 765-358 (37th Season)
• Record at Iowa State: 599-305 (29th Season)