Houston Coach Sampson Commends BYU Following Victory Over Cougars
The Houston Cougars secured a strong victory against the BYU Cougars with a score of 77-66 on February 7, 2026. This win highlighted the impressive skills of Houston’s head coach Kelvin Sampson, who has now achieved a perfect record against BYU over four matchups in three years.
Coach Sampson’s Praise for BYU
Following the game, Coach Sampson expressed high regard for BYU, particularly commending the challenging home environment at the Marriott Center in Provo. “BYU is not an easy team to play against, especially in this building,” he stated. He noted the enthusiastic student support, describing it as one of the best home-court advantages in collegiate basketball.
BYU Players Shine Despite Loss
Freshman AJ Dybantsa of BYU stood out with a remarkable performance, scoring 28 points on 9 of 14 shooting. In addition to his scoring, he contributed five rebounds and four assists. Sampson acknowledged Dybantsa’s talent, calling him “special” and emphasizing the difficulty in stopping him. “We just made him earn the shots he got,” Sampson added.
Despite Dybantsa’s success, teammate Richie Saunders faced challenges, scoring just seven points from 1 of 8 shooting. Sampson praised his team’s defensive strategy, indicating a focused effort to limit Saunders’ opportunities to drive to the basket.
Houston’s Strong Season Performance
With this victory, Houston improved its season record to 21-2 and 9-1 in Big 12 play. The team is now well-positioned to contend for a conference championship and a top seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament. “We’ve always been able to stay true to our culture and how we do things on the road,” Sampson remarked, highlighting his team’s dedication and work ethic.
High Character Players
Sampson also emphasized the academic success and character of his players, stating that all his athletes graduate, except for those pursuing early entry into the NBA. “They’re all high character kids,” he said, reflecting on how this positively impacts team dynamics and minimizes disciplinary issues.
Looking Ahead
The Cougars, led by Coach Sampson, will aim to maintain their momentum as they continue through the season. With a blend of talent, discipline, and a strong team culture, Houston is poised for further success in the weeks ahead.
