With a combination of fast-paced offense, aggressive defense in the paint, and a 51.6% field-goal percentage, the BYU Cougars defeated the Iowa State Cyclones 83-69 on Tuesday night at the Marriott Center.
The last time the Cougars beat the Cyclones was in 2002, marking the end of a 24-year stretch. The win certainly did not come easily.
The pressure was on from the opening tip as the Cougars implemented a full-court press, forcing several turnovers throughout the game. Iowa State head coach Bill Fennelly did not believe the press was the main factor in the loss, however.
“In the third quarter, the first four or five possessions we had, we had great looks and missed them all,” Fennelly said. “That was pretty much the game right there.”
The Cougars took advantage of Iowa State’s scoring misfortune in the third quarter, shooting 64.3% from the 3-point line and 50% from the field. Delaney Gibb went 3-for-3 from beyond the arc in the third quarter alone.
Freshman Olivia Hamlin finished with 23 points, a career-high. Close behind were Gibb with 21 points and Lara Rohkohl with 15.
The offensive results were fueled by an intentionally aggressive defensive effort. The Cougars’ main challenge was containing Iowa State center Audi Crooks, one of the most dominant post players in the country.
BYU forward Lara Rohkohl played a key role in that effort.
“I was just trying to be physical with her. When I was physical, she just tried to turn around and shoot it,” Rohkohl said. “I’m not strong — I’m just trying my best down there.”
BYU head coach Lee Cummard sang Rohkohl’s praises.
“I felt Lara was phenomenal down there,” he said. “Probably her best game defensively against arguably the best post player in the country.”
Rohkohl’s physical play led to four personal fouls. Gibb also finished with four fouls, and Bolanle Yussuf fouled out in the fourth quarter.
“Obviously, I was in a little bit of foul trouble, and I thank Coach Lee for believing in me and allowing me to play through that,” Gibb said. “We try to be physical on defense, but I think there’s a time and place for different defensive plays.”
After such a statement win, the Cougars look to carry the momentum to Colorado on Saturday.
ISU coach Fennelly certainly believes in the Cougars.
“They’re going to be a force to be reckoned with for a long, long time," he said.