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Provo - Tyler Haws ran to the right corner, caught a cross-court pass and fired up a three-ball that splashed the net.
But will one of college basketball's best scorers be doing the same thing at the Marriott Center on Saturday night when BYU hosts the Stanford Cardinal?
To be determined, Cougars coach Dave Rose said.
Less than a week after badly spraining his ankle against Weber State, Haws was back at practice Friday afternoon, taking jump shots, running some dummy offense and defending in the half court.
"There's no doubting his toughness," Rose said afterward. "I was really surprised he could go through some of the things he went through today. I don't think he's pain free. I just think he's tough."
The Cougars (8-3) see Stanford (6-2) as an opportunity - a chance to erase some of the pain of tough losses to San Diego State, Purdue and Utah, a chance at a solid non-conference that might boost their tournament resume come March.
So a speedy return for Haws, whose 23.8 points a game are third most in the country, would certainly be welcomed by his teammates. But not, Kyle Collinsworth said, at the expense of the big picture.
"He's made tons of improvements," the junior guard said. "I think the key for Ty is listening to his body. I know how he feels right now. He wants to play. I've been in that situation. He's very anxious. His mind is telling him he can, but he's got to really listen to his body. Because we need Ty tomorrow, but more importantly, we need him the rest of the season. He's just got to be smart."
The Cougars will try to slow down Stanford guard Chasson Randle, who dropped 31 points on West Coast Confernce colleagues Loyola Marymount earlier this week. And BYU will miss injured big man Nate Austin as they try to stop Stanford's 6-11 center Stefan Nastic.
Still, Rose senses a desire among his players to step up if they have to.
"There's no question when there's an opportunity available that guys all want to put their best foot forward and get a chance," Rose said. "I think when you look at a couple practices we've had this week, you look over at the sideline and see Nate and Ty; there's 70 minutes a game almost that are available if those two don't play. I think that can create some real energy."
Some of that burden would fall on the shoulders of Collinsworth.
Some on guard Anson Winder.
Some on captain Chase Fischer, who knows it will take a team effort if Haws cannot play.
"I don't feel any pressure trying to fill Tyler's shoes," said Fischer, who is averaging 13.4 points a game in BYU's NCAA-leading offense. "Nobody can do that. Tyler is Tyler and I'm Chase. I think all the guards … will have to be a little more aggressive, but no pressure. We're still going to be who we are and play how we play."
Twitter: @tribjazz —
BYU Cougars vs. Stanford Cardinal
At Marriott Center
Tipoff • Saturday, 9 p.m.
TV • ESPNU
Radio • 102.7 FM/1160 AM
Records • Cougars 8-3; Cardinal 6-2
Last meeting • BYU won 112-103 on Nov. 11, 2013
About the Cougars • Leading scorer Tyler Haws is averaging better than 23 points per game, but his status is uncertain after injuring his ankle last week against Weber State. Haws is 79 points from tying Devin Durrant for fourth all time on the BYU scoring list. … Leads the all-time series with the Cardinal 5-2. … Have two non-conference games left before opening West Coast play against No. 8 Gonzaga after Christmas.
About the Cardinal • Guard Chasson Randle leads the team in scoring and dropped 31 points in a win over Loyola Marymount last week. … The 6-11 center Stefan Nastic will be a tough cover with BYU's Nate Austin sidelined by injury. … First trip to Provo since 1970.