Historic Performance by AJ Dybantsa
In a thrilling college basketball matchup in Provo, Utah, AJ Dybantsa made history by scoring 43 points, setting a new record for freshman scoring at Brigham Young University (BYU). The No. 13 Cougars secured a 91-78 victory against the University of Utah on Saturday.
Dybantsa showcased his impressive skillset by shooting 15 of 24 from the field, including a stellar 9 for 10 from the charity stripe, marking his inaugural 40-point game. He also contributed significantly with six rebounds, three assists, and one block, surpassing the previous record held by NBA star Danny Ainge.
Team Performance and Key Contributions
The win was crucial for BYU (now 17-2, 5-1 in Big 12 play) as they aimed to rebound from a recent defeat by Texas Tech. In addition to Dybantsa’s standout performance, Rob Wright III added 21 points, while Richie Saunders chimed in with 12, helping the team shoot an effective 60% in the second half to secure their lead.
Utah’s Efforts and Game Dynamics
On the opposing side, Utah (9-11, 1-6) had commendable performances from Keanu Dawes, who led with 23 points and six boards, Terrence Brown with 22 points, and Dom McHenry with 16 points. The Utes managed an impressive 62% shooting from beyond the arc, demonstrating their capability to score.
The game contained notable momentum swings, including a 14-3 surge by BYU, which Dybantsa capped off with a layup to extend their lead to 69-56 late in the second half. This followed a strong effort from Utah that saw them come back from an early deficit to briefly lead at 28-26 in the first half.
Upcoming Matches
As BYU prepares to face the top-ranked Arizona team on Monday, Utah will take on Oklahoma State at home on January 31st.
