BYU basketball: Previewing the Colorado College Tigers

BYU basketball finishes up its exhibition season on Wednesday, hosting the Colorado College Tigers. Here’s a preview of  the Cougars’ opponent.

BYU basketball is 2-0 in exhibition play and is nearing the start of the regular season. But before the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils come to the Marriott Center, the Cougars take on the Colorado College Tigers.

Here’s what to know for the matchup.

Last season, the Tigers went 11-14 overall, winning just one non-conference game. However, the Tigers went 10-4 (good for second place) in the Southern College Athletic Conference. They are coached by Andy Partee, who is in his tenth season.

Over the last six season, Partee has led the Tigers to an 84-70 record – which is a huge improvement from his zero win first season.

Colorado College is led offensively by seniors Eric Houska and John Hatch. The duo averaged more than 35 minutes per game, providing most of the Tigers’ offense.

Next: BYU Has Work To Do Without Childs

Houska, a 6-foot-1 guard, averaged 17.1 points per game last season. He added 3.6 rebounds and shot 38 percent from 3-point range.

Hatch, a 6-foot-7 guard/forward averaged 17.5 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game and shot 45 percent from the field and 42 percent from 3-point land.

While BYU basketball should have no trouble handling the Tigers, but it will be interesting to see how the Cougars handle things when Yoeli Childs heads to the bench.

Obviously, when he’s on the floor, BYU looks like a tough team to beat. But when he’s on the bench – whether because he needs a breather or because he’s in foul trouble – the Cougar offense looks a little lost.

Shooters haven’t been hitting the deep ball and the drive and kick game starts to stall. So look for head coach Dave Rose to tinker with lineups in the second half to see what he’ll have this season.

Perhaps it will be Dalton Nixon, or maybe Luke Worthington, but he’ll need to find a capable replacement for Childs.