Cougars Defeated by Texas Tech, Reports Deseret News
The BYU Cougars faced a disappointing defeat at the hands of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, concluding their impressive 13-game unbeaten streak. The game, played on Saturday, ended with a score of 84-71, marking BYU’s record at 16-2 for the season and 4-1 in Big 12 conference play.
Key Highlights from the Game
- Late Game Collapse: BYU led 61-52 with 8:10 remaining but failed to maintain their advantage.
- Dominating Finish by Texas Tech: The Red Raiders closed the game with a 32-10 run.
- AJ Dybantsa’s Performance: The star player had an off night, scoring only 13 points.
Cougars Lose Their Lead
Despite their lead, the Cougars couldn’t capitalize late in the game. Texas Tech took control, leading to an eventual 13-point loss. This defeat adds to the burden of an otherwise successful season.
Dybantsa’s Streak Ends
AJ Dybantsa saw his streak of ten consecutive 20-point games come to an end. He struggled, shooting just 6 of 17 from the field and failing to make any three-point shots. In total, he recorded three rebounds and one assist while turning the ball over three times.
Shooting Struggles
BYU faced significant challenges shooting from beyond the arc. The Cougars managed to convert only 22.7% of their three-point attempts, with Richie Saunders contributing three successful shots. Other players, including Rob Wright III and Kennard Davis Jr., struggled to find their rhythm.
Texas Tech’s Strong Performance
- 3-Point Shooting: Texas Tech shot 38% from three-point range, with standout performances from JT Toppin and Christian Anderson.
- Foul Issues: BYU committed fouls on two critical three-point attempts in the second half, emphasizing their defensive struggles.
As the Cougars regroup, they will look to bounce back next Saturday in their upcoming home game against Utah. They hope to learn from this experience to finish the season strong.
