Game Overview
In a tightly contested matchup at Provo, Utah, No. 11 BYU rallied in the second half to outpace TCU 76-70 on Wednesday night. The Cougars leaned on a late flurry from AJ Dybantsa, who poured in 17 of his 25 points after halftime, transforming a close game into a pivotal conference win. BYU’s relentless push in the third and fourth quarters helped erase a early deficit and push the team into a position of control down the stretch as the clock ticked inside the final minutes.
TCU, visiting from the Big 12, battled through a back-and-forth first half but couldn’t sustain its momentum into the late stages. The Horned Frogs received steady scoring from a handful of players, yet BYU’s defensive intensity and efficient shot-making in the second period proved decisive in the final box score.
Key Performances
AJ Dybantsa emerged as the centerpiece for BYU in the second half, finishing with 25 points and delivering the kind of late-game leadership that winners showcase. His 17-point burst after the break included timely baskets that stretched BYU’s margin and quieted a TCU rally when it mattered most.
Richie Saunders supplied consistent offense, tallying 18 points to pace BYU’s scoring effort and helping the Cougars stay ahead through critical stretches. Saunders’s ability to convert on mid-range jumpers and pressure-TCU ball handlers created valuable separation in the middle quarters.
Robert Wright III added 15 points, along with six rebounds and six assists, contributing across the stat sheet and providing BYU with a versatile and steady floor presence. Wright’s all-around production complemented Dybantsa’s scoring surge and Saunders’s steady contribution.
Turning Points
The turning point of the game came as BYU flipped the script late in the third quarter. Dybantsa’s ability to attack the rim and knock down contested shots helped BYU overcome a measured start and take a lead into the final quarter. The BYU defense also tightened up, forcing key misses from TCU and turning rebounds into fast-break opportunities when the game was on the line.
TCU remained competitive by leaning on its own depth, but BYU’s resilience in the late stages proved too much. The Horned Frogs stayed within striking distance with a few well-timed buckets, yet couldn’t sustain a run that could flip the outcome in the closing minutes.
What This Win Means
Beating a ranked opponent strengthens BYU’s standing in the conference and gives the Cougars momentum as they navigate a challenging schedule. The combination of Dybantsa’s late-game heroics and complementary performances from Saunders and Wright III showcased BYU’s depth and ability to win in different ways. For a program aiming to contend for a high seed, this victory underscores the team’s resilience and readiness to close out tight games.
Looking Ahead
BYU will look to maintain its winning ways as it ascends the standings in the season. The team must continue to capitalize on its balanced scoring attack and sustain defensive intensity against upcoming opponents. For TCU, the focus will be on regrouping, tightening defensive rotations, and finding more consistency on offense to support its leaders in crunch time.
Bottom Line
BYU’s ability to lean on a dynamic second-half performance, led by AJ Dybantsa, sealed a 76-70 victory over TCU. The win highlighted BYU’s growing depth and late-game execution, signaling a positive trajectory for the Cougars in a competitive season.
