Cougars Defeat TCU 76-70, Advance to 4-0 in Big 12

In a thrilling Big 12 matchup, the BYU Cougars triumphed over the TCU Horned Frogs with a score of 76-70. This victory, secured at the Marriott Center, improved BYU’s record to 16-1 and maintained their perfect Big 12 standing at 4-0.

Game Overview

The game showcased BYU’s ability to recover from another tough start. Trailing by six points at halftime, the Cougars faced a shooting challenge, managing only 28.1% from the field and 9.1% from three-point range in the first half. BYU missed their first eight attempts from beyond the arc before Rob Wright III made a crucial three-pointer.

Second Half Comeback

The Cougars dominated the second half, averaging 1.48 points per possession to erase a nine-point deficit. They finished the game with a field goal percentage of 35.3%, while converting on 23 of 29 free throws, proving to be a significant factor in their win.

• Key Players:
• AJ Dybantsa scored 25 points, marking his tenth consecutive 20-point game.
• The “Brig 3,” consisting of Dybantsa, Rob Wright III, and Richie Saunders, combined for 58 of BYU’s total points.
• Mihailo Boskovic contributed eight points off the bench.

Rebounding Advantage

Rebounding was a vital aspect of BYU’s victory, as they outperformed TCU with a 51-36 margin. Notably, 21 of those rebounds were offensive, translating into 24 second-chance points. Keba Keita led the team with 10 rebounds, while Khadim Mboup added eight from the bench, and Wright, Saunders, and Kennard Davis contributed six each.

Looking Ahead

As the Cougars prepare for their upcoming matchup against No. 15 Texas Tech, maintaining focus will be crucial. After overcoming a challenging first half and showing resilience against TCU, BYU aims to continue their winning streak in the Big 12.