AJ Dybantsa Breaks BYU Record as No. 13 Cougars Sweep Utes Series
In a remarkable display, AJ Dybantsa established a new BYU freshman basketball record with an impressive 43 points during a game against Utah. The victory, which took place on Saturday afternoon, resulted in a 91-78 win for the No. 13 Cougars at the Marriott Center, witnessed by 18,224 enthusiastic fans.
AJ Dybantsa Achievements
Dybantsa’s 43-point performance, along with six rebounds and three assists, sets him apart in BYU history. He becomes the first freshman to score 40 or more points in a game since Chase Fischer in December 2015. This explosive outing has sparked interest in Dybantsa, who is considered a potential NBA draft lottery pick.
Team Performance
- Robert Wright III contributed significantly with 21 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
- Richie Saunders added 12 points, with a crucial eight points coming in the second half.
This victory improved BYU’s record to 17-2 overall and 5-1 in Big 12 play, following their previous loss to No. 12 Texas Tech.
Game Highlights
The game started strong for the Cougars, as they held Utah scoreless for more than four minutes. Dybantsa was pivotal, shooting 15-of-24 from the field, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, alongside 9-of-10 free throws. By halftime, BYU led 42-37.
Utah Runnin’ Utes
The Runnin’ Utes, with Terrence Brown scoring 22 points and Keanu Dawes adding 23 points and six rebounds, struggled to keep pace. Despite taking a brief lead in the first half, Utah fell behind as the Cougars executed a critical 14-3 run in the second half.
Historical Context
This win reinforces BYU’s dominance in this rivalry, marking their 138th victory over Utah and continuing their home winning streak against the Utes since 2005.
AJ Dybantsa’s emergence as a standout freshman showcases his potential and contributes significantly to BYU’s successful season. Fans will be watching closely as this budding star continues to make history on the court.
