"It's a tougher preparation for us because they do more things. They're more versatile," Rose said.

The Cougars are coming off a lopsided win at Colorado State and a game in which Rose said his team took a big step forward. They're playing more consistent from start to finish, and getting a much bigger contribution from the bench.

"We got some great play out of some back-up guys," Rose said of BYU's effort in Fort Collins.

The Cougars got 32 bench points against the Rams, shot a blistering 57 percent from the floor and hit 10-of-20 3-pointers.

"Hopefully we can take that effort, and how dialed in we were, and bring that in here," Lee Cummard said.

While the Cougars say they are ready for a tough battle tonight, they're not sure the fans feel the same way.

"Hopefully we'll get a good crowd. You never know how the crowd will respond to a Tuesday night game. But (TCU) is a really good team and it should be a really good game," Rose said.

GAME NOTES: Sophomore guard Matt Pinegar will miss the next three to four weeks with what team officials are calling a sports-related hernia. Doctors are hoping the rest will prevent him from needing surgery. . . Rose is not allowing junior forward Jonathan Tavernari to do media interviews, saying he needs to focus on his "basketball and education." ... The Cougars lead the MWC in scoring average (81.8 ppg), scoring margin (17.9), field goal percentage (51.1), 3-point field goal defense (28.6), rebounding margin (5.3), assists (17.6 apg) and assist to turnover ratio (1.42 to 1). . . Cummard (17.9), Tavernari (17.7) and Jimmer Fredette (14.9) are all in the MWC Top 10 in scoring.

Cougars on the air

BYU (13-2, 1-0) vs. TCU (11-5, 2-0)

Today 8 p.m. Marriott Center

TV: The mtn. Radio: KSL 1160 AM 102.7 FM

---

E-mail: jimr@desnews.com