Texas Tech Challenges No. 11 BYU’s Unbeaten Big 12 Run
The No. 11 BYU Cougars secured a hard-fought 76-70 victory against the TCU Horned Frogs on January 14, 2026, at the Marriott Center, Provo. The game attracted a crowd of 17,983 fans. With this win, BYU improved its record to 16-1 overall and 4-0 in Big 12 play.
Outstanding Performance by the Cougars
Despite facing a tough TCU defense, BYU’s head coach Kevin Young praised his team’s execution. The Cougars experienced a season-low shooting percentage of 35.3% from the field and 20.8% from beyond the arc. Young attributed this to TCU’s strong defensive efforts rather than poor shot selection.
Key Contributions
- Richie Saunders hit a crucial 3-pointer with 2:14 left in the game, pushing BYU’s lead to 70-63.
- Point guard Rob Wright III recorded 15 points, six assists, and only two turnovers in 39 minutes of play.
- BYU dominated on the boards, collecting 24 second-chance points from 21 offensive rebounds.
This rebounding prowess was evident, as they out-rebounded TCU 51-36, with a significant 30-13 margin in the second half. TCU’s coach, Jamie Dixon, acknowledged BYU’s aggressive play in the second half, which resulted in a free-throw disparity: BYU attempted 29 free throws, making 23, while TCU had 18 attempts and converted 12.
Upcoming Matchup: BYU vs. Texas Tech
The Cougars will face No. 15 Texas Tech on Saturday, January 16, 2026, at the United Supermarkets Arena. The match is scheduled for 6 p.m. MST, with coverage available on ESPN and BYU Radio 107.9 FM.
Future Challenges
BYU is riding a wave of momentum with 13 consecutive wins and 12 straight in the Big 12 dating back to the previous season. Coach Young emphasized that this diverse style of play is vital for upcoming challenges. “Good teams win in multiple different ways,” he noted, reflecting on the resilience his team has shown throughout the season.
Richie Saunders added that the team’s halftime message was to increase their aggression and intensity, particularly in securing rebounds. This attitude contributed to BYU’s continued success and is crucial as they prepare for a more challenging schedule ahead.
