BYU's Dybantsa Shatters Freshman Record with 40-Point Performance in Big 12 Tournament Victory BYU freshman forward AJ Dybantsa delivered a standout performance in the Big 12 tournament, scoring a freshman-record 40 points to lead the Cougars to a hard-fought victory over Kansas State. The game, which marked BYU’s opening round matchup in the tournament, saw Dybantsa dominate in the second half, helping his team secure a crucial win as they aim to advance further in the postseason. Dybantsa’s 40-point effort included several highlight-reel plays, including a buzzer-beating dunk that sealed a key lead for BYU after the Wildcats had closed the gap. The freshman’s ability to step up in critical moments was evident throughout the game, as he consistently found ways to impact the scoreboard when BYU needed him most. Despite the Cougars trailing by as many as 10 points in the second half, Dybantsa’s scoring runs helped BYU regain control and eventually pull away in the final minutes. The performance was particularly notable given the context of the game. BYU entered the matchup with a slim lead after the first half, holding a 50-49 edge over Kansas State. However, the Cougars’ lead was precarious, as it was built largely on a turnover that led to Dybantsa’s game-winning dunk. The freshman’s unselfish playmaking also shone through, as he frequently found teammates in transition and created opportunities for his teammates to score. Coach Brandon Young praised Dybantsa’s contributions, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and execution. “It’s something we’ve been really on our guys about all year,” Young said. “We have talent, obviously, and we just try to make simple plays, and play together, and sometimes that’s easier said than done. I thought AJ made a lot of unselfish plays as well.#kansas_state #aj_dybantsa #byu #big_12_tournament #brandon_young
