Kelvin Sampson Commends BYU Following Houston’s Big 12 Tournament Triumph
Houston’s basketball team clinched a 73-66 victory over BYU in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 tournament, held on March 12, 2026. The Cougars, seeded second, faced a four-point deficit at halftime. However, they capitalized on BYU’s fatigue and tightened their defense to secure a place in the semifinals.
Game Overview
This match marked the second consecutive year that Houston confronted BYU in the Big 12 tournament. In the previous year, Houston triumphed over BYU with a score of 74-54 in the semifinals. Since joining the conference in 2023, BYU has not defeated Houston.
Coach’s Praise for BYU
Postgame, Houston’s head coach Kelvin Sampson acknowledged BYU’s performance. He stated, “Congrats to BYU for a great tournament.” He recognized that BYU’s players had exerted themselves, playing three games in as many days. Sampson communicated that his team understood the challenge they faced against a tired yet determined opponent.
Key Player Performance
- AJ Dybantsa stood out for BYU, scoring 26 points. This achievement set a new Big 12 tournament scoring record, previously held by Kevin Durant.
- Despite his first-half success, Dybantsa struggled in the second half, shooting only 3-of-10.
- Sampson commended Dybantsa’s skill, emphasizing his elite shooting and toughness. He mentioned, “He’s a young kid, but he’s been in the spotlight his whole career.”
Game Statistics
Following this victory, Houston’s overall record improved to 27-5, with a conference record of 15-4. The Cougars now look forward to their semifinal matchup against either TCU or Kansas.
Coaching Insights
Sampson expressed pride in his team’s resilience, noting the room for improvement in their gameplay. “It wasn’t our best game. But the name of the game is to win,” he remarked. His focus remains on honing the team’s performance as they advance through the tournament.
