In a tightly contested matchup on Wednesday night, No. 11 BYU managed to extend its winning streak to 13 games with a 76-70 victory over TCU. The Cougars, sitting comfortably at 16-1 overall and undefeated in Big 12 play at 4-0, showed resilience and resilience, especially in the second half, thanks in large part to a standout performance by AJ Dybantsa. Despite a sluggish start offensively, BYU’s ability to rally and execute under pressure ultimately sealed their win. TCU, meanwhile, continues to face challenges against top-ranked opponents, suffering their third consecutive loss and dropping to 1-4 against ranked teams this season.
Second-Half Surge Propels BYU to Victory
AJ Dybantsa delivered a second-half explosion, scoring 17 of his total 25 points after halftime, which played a pivotal role in shifting the momentum in BYU’s favor. His aggressive play helped spark the Cougars’ comeback, especially during a critical stretch in the middle of the second period. Dybantsa showcased his ability to finish through contact, electrifying the crowd and energizing his teammates.
While BYU experienced offensive struggles early on—lacking a three-pointer until Robert Wright III converted with just over five minutes remaining in the first half—the team remained focused. The Cougars struggled from beyond the arc overall, making only 1 of 11 attempts by halftime, which left them trailing TCU 36-30 as the teams headed into the locker room.
Key Players and Turning Points
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Standout Performances
Richie Saunders contributed 18 points, providing crucial scoring and leadership on the floor. His ability to attack the rim and take advantage of open looks kept BYU competitive. Robert Wright III added 15 points along with six rebounds and six assists, demonstrating his versatility and playmaking ability, which was vital during BYU’s second-half surge.
On the TCU side, Xavier Edmonds led with 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds, showcasing his offensive prowess and rebounding skills. Micah Robinson provided a spark off the bench, adding 10 points and six rebounds, but their efforts weren’t enough to withstand BYU’s rally.
Critical Second-Half Run
The turning point for BYU arrived midway through the second half when they went on a 9-0 run that proved decisive. During this stretch, Dybantsa scored twice through contact, showcasing his fearless approach to scoring. Mihailo Boskovic also contributed with a clutch three-pointer, helping push the lead to double digits at a key moment.
The Cougars’ defense tightened up as the game progressed, with Keba Keita making a crucial block in the final minute to help seal the victory. Keita’s defensive presence and rebound work, finishing with 10 boards, played a significant role in stifling TCU’s late comeback attempt.
Game Stats and Final Moments
With under two minutes remaining, Saunders hit his only three-pointer of the game to give BYU a comfortable 70-63 advantage. TCU attempted a late push but was thwarted by Keita’s decisive block and clutch free throws from BYU. The game was a testament to how resilience and timely execution can determine the outcome in college basketball battles between top-ranked teams.
Upcoming Games and Future Outlook
TCU will look to bounce back on Saturday with an away game at Utah, seeking to regain momentum after this setback. For BYU, the focus turns to their trip to No. 15 Texas Tech later Saturday, a challenging environment but an opportunity to cement their position as a top team in the Big 12.
As the season progresses, both teams will be monitored closely by fans and analysts alike. BYU’s hot streak positions them as a formidable contender, while TCU aims to re-establish consistency and challenge higher-ranked opponents in upcoming matchups.
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