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On Tuesday night, the no. 20 BYU basketball team displayed a remarkable offensive performance, securing a commanding 87-72 victory over the defensively efficient no. 24 Iowa State. Despite Iowa State's second national ranking in defensive efficiency, BYU's offensive prowess proved insurmountable as they scored at will, hitting 13 three-pointers and shooting an impressive 47% from the field.
Throughout the night, BYU demonstrated their dominance, consistently responding to any momentum gained by Iowa State with strategic runs, gradually widening their lead. The victory propelled BYU to a 2-2 record in conference play and an overall record of 14-3, reestablishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with after a strong non-conference showing.
Spencer Johnson emerged as a standout player, achieving a career-high 28 points against the Cyclones. Johnson's exceptional first-half performance, contributing 19 points, played a pivotal role in BYU's 39-35 halftime lead.
While Johnson's scoring was noteworthy, Dallin Hall's contributions were equally crucial, earning him consideration for the MVP title. Hall showcased mastery in running the offense, finishing with 11 points on a perfect 4/4 shooting, along with 8 assists and 5 rebounds. Hall's improved play from the early weeks of conference action highlighted his experience and maturity. His ability to penetrate the paint and find open teammates created challenges for Iowa State's defense, particularly given their elite steal percentage. Hall, with only two turnovers, demonstrated a remarkable control of the game, further solidifying his importance to the team.
Noah Waterman delivered a standout performance in conference play, finishing with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Waterman's ability to connect on open three-pointers proved pivotal in opening up opportunities for BYU's offense. His impressive +19 rating for the night reflected his significant impact on the team's success.
Aly Khalifa, known for his game-changing passing ability, contributed 2 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. While his assist total may not fully capture his passing brilliance, Khalifa's hockey assists on Tuesday night played a crucial role in BYU's offensive efficiency.
Looking ahead, BYU aims to extend its winning streak in a challenging matchup against no. 25 Texas Tech on Saturday. The Red Raiders, ranked in the AP poll, will undoubtedly pose a formidable test for the Cougars as they seek to build on their recent success.
