AMES — After a resounding bounce-back win at home against then-No. 22 Arizona, the now-No. 10 Cyclones prepare for their final home game of the season against No. 23 BYU on Tuesday.
With it being senior night, this game could potentially change Iowa State’s stance in the Big 12, as it currently sits in fourth place with a record of 12-6 and in a double-bye position for the Big 12 Tournament, which kicks off next week.
Right behind the Cyclones are the Cougars, who hold the same conference record at 12-6 but have one more loss compared to Iowa State in overall record (21-8).
However, the standings could change depending on Tuesday’s final result, as Iowa State would have to beat BYU to clinch a double-bye in Kansas City, otherwise it would only have a single-bye as a five seed if the Cougars find a way to upset the Cyclones in Ames.
For head coach T.J. Otzelberger and the Cyclones, they aren’t focused on the potential Big 12 seeding that’s at stake, but are rather focusing on what’s happening in front of them as they prepare to take on BYU for their final home game of the season.
“All the other stuff takes care of itself, whatever that is, whether it’s seeding, ranking, tournament, this, that, all that stuff takes care of itself,” Otzelberger said. “There’s only one thing that we have control over, and that’s how we practice, and how physical, and how tough we play for one another tomorrow. And we’re gonna keep our focus on controlling the things that we can control.”
While this game has significant implications for Iowa State, it also comes as an emotional night for some, as six seniors will be honored following their final game in Hilton Coliseum.
Senior guards Curtis Jones, Keshon Gilbert, Nate Heise, forwards Brandton Chatfield and Conrad Hawley and center Dishon Jackson will all be playing in their final home games for the Cyclones on Tuesday night. Some, however, can return next season but will still be recognized.
Despite some not being here for longer than others, each player will be celebrated for their accomplishments with Iowa State following Tuesday’s contest against the Cougars.
One of those players who has had a short stay with the Cyclones is Chatfield, who is in his only season with Iowa State after transferring from Seattle a year prior.
“I think just coming to a much bigger program and conference with it being more physical and everything like that,” Chatfield said. “It’s a lot of winning but also just learning about myself and how much I can bring to the table.”
During his stay in Ames, Chatfield has expressed his gratitude for all the opportunities he has been given and looks forward to finishing out his final collegiate season on a good note with the Cyclones.
“It’s unbelievable,” Chatfield said. “I’m so happy to be here and so glad with all the success we’ve had. I’m super appreciative of the staff for taking a chance on me and bringing me in. It’s meant everything to me.”
The last moments playing for Iowa State in Hilton Coliseum will be one the senior class will look to make the most of, and that’s what Otzelberger and the rest of their teammates are excited to witness.
“They brought winning to the table,” sophomore forward Milan Momcilovic said. “They contributed in every possible way and in their own ways too. [Jones], Keshon [Gilbert], [Chatfield], Heise, they bring something to the table and it’s very valuable. Just one last game with those guys in Hilton is gonna be special.”
“I think for our guys to really appreciate and lock into the last opportunity for everybody this season to play at Hilton,” Otzelberger said. “And for those that don’t have any more eligibility to save their best for last. And that doesn’t mean you’re gonna make every shot. But there’s something that says we just left it on the floor. Every ounce, every drop of sweat, everything that we gave, we left it on the floor, and that’s what we’re gonna aim to do tomorrow.”
Those final efforts will need to be put to good use against BYU, as the Cougars will enter having won six straight games after middling around the conference in mid-February.
BYU’s success has come from its high offensive output, as it currently sits in the top two for every major offensive category, minus free throws, in the Big 12.
The Cougars are led by junior forward Richie Saunders, who averages a team-high 15.8 points per game on a 52.1% field goal clip and is 44% from 3-point range.
Freshman guard Egor Demin rounds out BYU’s double-digit scorers with 10.7 points per game, but the Cougars have seven other players who average at least 5.7 points per game.
Along with BYU having just four freshmen, Otzelberger is preparing to battle against a team with experience and talent.
“I think that’s one thing with them that you have to factor into the equation, is how well they shoot the basketball,” Otzelberger said. “A lot of times, they’ve got older guys, they’ve got experienced veteran guys that know how to find ways to win. You don’t win six in a row in this league without having that type of experience.”
The Cyclones and Cougars will tip off at 8 p.m. Tuesday in Hilton Coliseum. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN 2.