Cougars Triumph Over Dayton in Dramatic Victory – Deseret News
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The BYU Cougars achieved a notable victory by defeating Dayton 83-79 in the ESPN Events Invitational championship. This win secures their place atop the tournament and improves their season record to 6-1.
Second Half Surge
BYU demonstrated a remarkable second-half performance, continuing a trend from earlier games this season. Once again, the Cougars found themselves trailing at halftime, a position they have faced frequently.
After a lackluster first half where they managed only eight field goals, BYU exploded in the second half. They initiated the period with an impressive 26-4 run, featuring 15 consecutive points and swiftly shifting the game’s momentum in their favor.
Dayton managed to tie the game at 70 with just over three minutes left. However, crucial late-game shots from Richie Saunders and AJ Dybantsa sealed the victory for BYU.
Outstanding Performances
Richie Saunders led BYU with a career-high 29 points, combined with eight rebounds, two assists, three steals, and six three-pointers. His exceptional performance earned him the tournament MVP title.
AJ Dybantsa contributed significantly as well, scoring 18 points—13 of which came in the second half. Rob Wright III added 23 points, making major contributions to their overall success.
- Richie Saunders: 29 points, 8 rebounds, 6 three-pointers
- Rob Wright III: 23 points, 9 of 16 shooting
- AJ Dybantsa: 18 points, 4 rebounds
Remarkably, all 83 points scored by BYU came from their starting lineup, as none of the bench players contributed. This lack of bench support may raise concerns moving forward into the Big 12 season.
Injury Concerns
The victory was overshadowed by injury worries. Forward Dawson Baker appeared to sustain a serious injury, resulting in him being wheeled out on Friday. His potential absence could significantly impact BYU’s depth, as Baker is a vital component of the team’s strategy.
As they move ahead, BYU will need other players to step up and support the starters consistently. This support will be crucial, especially with the rigors of conference play on the horizon.
Next Steps
The Cougars’ victory over Dayton emphasizes their capability to turn games around in the second half. However, to maintain their success in upcoming matches, they will need to cultivate bench production and adapt to the absence of key players.
