BYU Takes Control in a Tough Late-Rallied Win Over TCU
PROVO, Utah — In a hard-fought non-conference matchup, No. 11 BYU leaned on a second-half burst from AJ Dybantsa to pull away from TCU for a 76-70 victory Wednesday night. The game, played before a raucous home crowd, showcased BYU’s resilience and balanced scoring, with Dybantsa delivering 17 of his 25 points after halftime to spark the comeback.
Second-Half Spark: Dybantsa Dominates When It Matters
Trailing by as many as six early in the second half, BYU found its rhythm as Dybantsa began to heat up. The freshman forward dwelled on the perimeter and attacked the lane with a blend of assertive drives and timely jumpers, turning a stagnant offense into a source of momentum. Dybantsa finished with 25 points, making 11 baskets and showcasing his versatility in creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Key Moments that Shifted the Momentum
Several swing plays punctuated BYU’s surge. A decisive stretch where Dybantsa scored on back-to-back possessions helped narrow the gap, followed by crisp ball movement that produced quality looks for Richie Saunders and Robert Wright III. Saunders, who totaled 18 points, was particularly efficient in transition and catch-and-shoot situations, while Wright III contributed 15 points, six rebounds, and six assists, providing BYU with an all-around floor game that kept TCU under pressure.
BYU’s Depth Helps Absorb TCU’s Push
Even as TCU refused to roll over, BYU’s depth shone through. The Cougars benefited from timely offense off the bench, with role players stepping into shooting gaps and adding crucial support when the Blue and White lineup faced defensive stings. The balanced attack allowed BYU to stay ahead in the second half, even as TCU fought to close the gap on multiple possessions.
TCU’s Competitive Fight and Where BYU Exceeded
TCU made a late push to threaten an upset, using pressure defense and a handful of tempo-changing possessions to keep the game within reach. Yet BYU’s offense, especially in the late stages, demonstrated enough discipline and efficiency to secure the victory. The Cougars’ ability to respond to TCU’s runs with composed ball handling and efficient shot selection underscored the team’s growth since the season’s start.
What This Win Means for BYU
Beating a quality non-conference opponent like TCU strengthens BYU’s resume ahead of conference play. With Dybantsa delivering a standout second half, the team showed it can win games when a single facilitator takes charge and teammates fill in around him. Saunders’ 18 points and Wright III’s all-around impact give BYU a balanced core that opponents will have to prepare for in future tests.
Looking Ahead
BYU will look to build on this win as it transitions into a demanding stretch of the schedule. The team will seek to maintain offensive flow and defensive discipline, ensuring that contributors across the roster can step up when Dybantsa isn’t scoring at will. For TCU, the defeat offers a blueprint of where they can improve—closing out possessions, maximizing their own shot creation, and sustaining pressure on the road.
