Villanova’s Kevin Willard Analyzes Defeat to BYU

In a thrilling matchup on November 3, 2025, Villanova faced BYU at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Under the direction of new head coach Kevin Willard, the Wildcats met a daunting challenge against the No. 8-ranked Cougars. BYU’s freshman standout, AJ Dybantsa, stole the spotlight, scoring 21 points and showcasing his skills in his collegiate debut.

Match Overview

The game saw Villanova trailing by as much as 14 points in the second half. However, they made a determined comeback, even taking a slender lead late in the contest. BYU regrouped and ultimately secured the win as the final minutes ticked away.

Key Performers

• Bryce Lindsay (Villanova) – Led all scorers with 22 points, including five three-pointers.
• Christian Jeffrey (Villanova) – Contributed with 11 points.
• Duke Brennan (Villanova) – Recorded eight points and 15 rebounds.
• AJ Dybantsa (BYU) – Scored 21 points in his debut.

Coaching Insights

Kevin Willard expressed admiration for Dybantsa, comparing him to his previous 5-star recruit from Maryland. “He’s one of the best high school players I’ve seen come out in a long time,” Willard noted.

Despite the loss, Willard praised his team’s effort against a tough opponent and acknowledged the challenges of integrating 13 new players into the roster. He stressed the need for better offensive execution, mentioning that poor shot selection hampered their performance.

Defensive Highlights

Villanova’s defense made an impact, limiting BYU to only 29 points, including a striking stint in the second half where the Cougars managed just one assist and shot 1 of 6 from beyond the arc. However, the Wildcats struggled to maintain their momentum on offense, failing to score for nearly five minutes late in the game.

Season Outlook

This season is projected to be a rebuilding year for Villanova, with the team picked to finish seventh in the Big East. Willard highlighted the importance of finding the right lineups as they adapt throughout the season.

As the Wildcats continue to develop and gel as a unit, Willard remains committed to maximizing their potential. “I’m just trying to find lineups that complement each other,” he said, emphasizing the challenges of lineup consistency early in the season.

Villanova will look to bounce back as they continue to navigate through their season under new leadership, aiming to find the right formula for success on the court.