Cougars welcome Aggies to Provo

BYU women’s basketball welcomes the Utah State Aggies to Provo Tuesday.

These two teams matched up a year ago in Logan where the Aggies played close to the Cougars but were eventually outgained losing 64-54 at home. This year’s teams are both on a better win pace than they were last year.

BYU left Provo with a win against former WCC foe LMU back on November 25 and has played two away games since, both resulting in losses. One of those losses was against in-state rival and the twelfth ranked Utah Utes.

Fortunately this is a favorable matchup for the Cougars for a number of reasons.

One of those is that BYU is undefeated at the Marriott Center this season. Their home scoring margin has them winning at an average of 19.6 points per game.

An area where Utah State struggles is shooting the three ball, an area of excellence for BYU this season. The Aggies are holding opponents 30.2% from three, but they’re shooting under that at 24.0%. 

BYU will likely exploit this as shooting and defending from three remains a strong suit for them. Aided by elite shooter Kailey Woolston, the Cougars are shooting 43.5% and holding opponents to 32.1%

The change-up to BYU’s three-ball is forward Lauren Gustin. 

While the Aggies didn’t completely shut her down last year, they held her to a quiet night for Gustin’s standards. She finished with 11 points, 10 rebounds and a team high six turnovers. Most teams aim to slow Gustin down and so far no team has held her down in Provo.

The interesting comparison to be made between these two squads and that both played Weber State this season. 

The Cougars beat the Wildcats 77-49 and the Aggies won 72-62. Utah State gave up more in their matchup, but if they put up a similar point total in Provo Tuesday, it could make for BYU’s closest home matchup this season.

The game will be broadcast Tuesday at 3 MST on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and BYU Radio.