BYU basketball: Previewing the Idaho State Bengals

BYU basketball is rolling after defeating the rival Utes last weekend. Can they keep it going against the lowly Idaho State Bengals?

For BYU basketball, it’s all good.

The Cougars are 9-2, on the NCAA Tournament bubble and are coming off a big win over the Utah Utes.

Plus, according to Bill Walton, Elijah Bryant is a blend of Michael Jordan, Oscar Robertson, Scottie Pippen and Kobe Bryant.

So that’s neat.

Now BYU basketball turns its attention to the sub-par Idaho State Bengals.

At the time of this writing (before the Bengals host Youngstown State), Idaho State is 3-5 and riding a modest three-game winning streak. But, the Bengals won’t play at home again until Jan 4, 2018.

Players To Watch

Geno Luzcando: Luzcando is sixth in the nation, averaging three steals per game (24 total). If he keeps up this pace, he’ll own the Idaho State single-season record and become the Bengals’ all-time steals leader. He also leads the team in minutes (30.3 per night). Luzcando isn’t an explosive scorer (9.5 points per game), but does a little bit of everything for the Bengals.

Jared Stutzman: Stutzman is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 14.2 points per game. He’s been extremely efficient, shooting 57 percent from the field and 52 percent from 3-point range. Stutzman transferred to Idaho State from UVU and knows BYU basketball well. In last year’s upset by the Wolverines, Stutzman posted 11 points and seven rebounds against the Cougars.

BYU basketball shouldn’t have much trouble against the Bengals. Even though it appears Yoeli Childs was only dealing with cramps against the Utes, he should have plenty of extra time to rest against Idaho State.

Expect the Cougars to roll and pick up a big win.