BYU basketball: Previewing the Pepperdine Waves

After a bad loss to Pacific, BYU basketball returns to the Marriott Center to host the Pepperdine Waves. Here’s what to know for the West Coast Conference matchup.

BYU basketball sits at 13-4 on the season, but is just 1-2 in its last three games. After two disappointing losses (to Saint Mary’s and Pepperdine), it’s clear the Cougars still have plenty to improve on.

On Thursday, as the team returns to the Marriott Center, it’s a great time to turn over a new leaf. The Waves are just 3-13 on the season, and a loss to them all but guarantees BYU won’t be dancing in March.

So can the Cougar Cagers get back on track in front of a friendly Provo crowd? Well, here’s what to watch for.

Players To Watch

Kameron Edwards: Edwards has missed the last five games due to a concussion and it’s currently unclear whether or not he’ll play against BYU basketball. But for the Cougars, it’d be better for Edwards to be in street clothes. He’s been the Waves’ best player this season, averaging 15.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game – all while shooting 55 percent from the field.

Coleby Ross: A freshman guard from Colorado, Ross is averaging 14.7 points per game and 5.1 assists per game. He’s shooting nearly 50 percent from the field and 43 percent from 3-point range – so he’s been pretty efficient for the Waves.

Eric Cooper Jr.: Cooper is Pepperdine’s third-leading scorer, putting up 12.9 points per night. The junior guard sat out last season after transferring from Nevada, but is really a key part of what the Waves are doing this season. He’s averaging 27.3 minutes per game and is shooting 47 percent.

The Cougar Cagers and Waves tip off on Thursday, January 11 at 7pm MT.