BYU basketball reserve Nate Austin may have key role if Hartsock injured

Things can turn around quickly in the West Coast Conference.

Just over a week ago, it appeared St. Mary's had the league title wrapped up and Gonzaga and BYU were second and third, respectively. It seemed an unshakable pecking order. Then everyone started losing but BYU.

Thursday night in Spokane the Cougars and 'Zags play for what could be a piece of the league title with St. Mary's if the Gaels lose at San Francisco, a team that beat the 'Zags last Saturday.

"It does give us motivation," said BYU junior guard Craig Cusick. "To be back in the picture does something for us."

Gonzaga is favored to defeat the Cougars Thursday night. That doesn't mean BYU isn't without some momentum. BYU's five-game win streak is the best in the WCC. The Cougars have the best overall road record (8-2) among the teams in the WCC, Pac-12 and MWC. New Mexico is 7-2, St. Mary's 6-3, Oregon 6-4 and Arizona 7-4.

Unlike recent road trips in the WCC, the Cougars take on Gonzaga more banged up than usual with Noah Hartsock, the league's leading scorer, nursing a knee sprain.

If Hartsock is unable to perform, or is limited in his mobility, BYU coach Dave Rose will need others to step up, including his third post player, former Lone Peak star Nate Austin.

This time a year ago, Austin was an LDS missionary in McAllen, Texas. Things can turn around quickly. For Austin, this mission thing certainly did.

"I've got better quicker than I expected. The coaches and trainers have really helped me to get in shape but I am surprised my body has been able to hold up and I've played as well as I have," said Austin.

"It's been a dream come true to play for BYU. It's something I've wanted to do all my life and every day I come out and want to make the most of it."

The rookie has played in all 29 games and is 51 for 89 from the field, a 57 percent shooting mark that is the best on the team. He averages 3.7 rebounds, 4.4 points a game, and has 11 blocked shots. He has made 6 of 17 from beyond the arc as a 6-foot-11 center/forward.

"All season, all I've looked at is to come in and have a positive role for the team," said Austin when asked about Hartsock's injury. He thinks it will be no different Thursday night if he's called upon to contribute.