BYU's AJ Dybantsa's first — and only? — trip to the NCAA tournament ends in a first-round upset loss to Texas The star BYU freshman poured in 35 points in a 79-71 first-round loss to No. 11 Texas, but the No. 6 Cougars’ lack of depth proved costly in the West region matchup. Dybantsa, a projected top-10 NBA draft pick, dominated the game, yet BYU’s roster struggled to match Texas’ depth and size. The Cougars’ bench contributed zero points, as Texas’ Matas Vokietaitis controlled the paint with 23 points and 16 rebounds. Dybantsa’s performance highlighted his potential, as he became the first freshman since Steph Curry in 2007 to score 30+ points in his NCAA tournament debut. He shot 11-of-25 from the field and went 12-of-12 at the free-throw line. However, BYU’s reliance on Dybantsa and Robert Wright III left the team vulnerable. Wright added 14 points, but the rest of the roster combined for just seven field goal attempts. The Cougars were 4-of-22 from beyond the arc, missing key guard Richie Saunders, who was sidelined by a season-ending knee injury. Texas’ balanced attack, with four players scoring in double figures, proved too much for BYU. Tramon Mark led the way with 19 points, while Dailyn Swain and Jordan Pope added 14 and 11 respectively. Pope’s 3-pointer with 1:29 remaining cut BYU’s deficit to four, but the Cougars couldn’t sustain the momentum. A missed opportunity to close the gap came after Aleksej Kostic’s 3-pointer, followed by a turnover from Dybantsa. BYU’s struggles began earlier in the season. Despite starting 16-1, the Cougars lost five of six games in conference play. Saunders’ injury in February exacerbated the team’s issues, forcing Dybantsa to take at least 20 shots in seven of BYU’s last nine games. The team went 4-5 in that span, underscoring the challenges of relying on a single player.#texas #aj_dybantsa #byu #matas_vokietaitis #tramon_mark
Richie Saunders' Unlikely Journey to the NCAA Tournament Richie Saunders, a third-leading scorer for BYU’s men’s basketball team, found himself in an unexpected situation during the Big 12 tournament in Kansas City. After tearing his ACL in a game against Colorado nearly a month earlier, Saunders was confined to a knee brace and crutches, unable to move much. Yet, his determination to stay involved led to a viral moment that highlighted his resilience. Saunders, who had been sidelined for weeks, looked at his roommate and walk-on point guard Jared McGregor during a team stay in Kansas City and muttered, “I gotta get out.” The challenge was daunting—navigating the short distance from the hotel to a late-night trip to Insomnia Cookies without assistance. The team’s hotel bell cart became the solution, and McGregor’s Instagram post capturing the moment gained over 400,000 views in days. Despite his injury, Saunders remained a key figure for BYU, which will open its 33rd NCAA Tournament appearance on Thursday. His contributions were evident in a 82-76 win over then-No. 10 Texas Tech in the regular-season finale. Coach Kevin Young acknowledged Saunders’ mental strength, noting that his presence and leadership had become vital. “He’s showing a bit more of his personality,” Young said. “He knows this is just a minor step back, and he can’t change what’s happened. He feels good about the plan in place, which allows him to focus on supporting the team as an older brother figure.” BYU’s success in the NCAA Tournament hinges on a blend of experience and emerging talent. The team, which reached the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011, will rely on veterans like Saunders, Keba Keita, Mihailo Boskovic, and leading scorer AJ Dybantsa. However, the tournament’s intensity requires depth, and role players have stepped up.#byu #kevin_young #richie_saunders #jared_mcgregor #dominique_diomande
BYU's Ambitious Push into College Basketball's New Era AJ Dybantsa’s smiling face greets visitors to the bookstore inside BYU’s Wilkinson Student Center, a central hub on campus. Stacks of cream-colored T-shirts featuring his image, the No. 3 jersey he wears for the Cougars, and his autograph are on display, alongside five small stars and a quote from the nation’s No. 1 recruit. In December 2024, Dybantsa shocked the college basketball world by declaring on ESPN, “It’s just for the bigger picture,” before committing to BYU, a program unaccustomed to attracting generational talent. Less than 18 months later, as Dybantsa prepares for his first March Madness experience, those words echo the ambitions of the player and the program striving to join the ranks of college basketball’s elite. Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 ball-dominant forward, is the clearest example of BYU’s new era of ambition. The school, owned and subsidized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has embraced the name, image, and likeness (NIL) era and revenue-sharing models, challenging assumptions about its financial limitations while navigating the LDS Church’s mission to balance athletic success with spiritual values. BYU coach Kevin Young emphasized the program’s long-standing desire to “prove they can play with the big boys,” a goal now amplified by Dybantsa’s arrival. Landing Dybantsa from his hometown of Brockton, Mass., marked a turning point for BYU. Reports suggest his single-year NIL compensation ranges from $4 million to $6 million, among the highest for a player. Young, who joined BYU in April 2024 after five years with the Phoenix Suns, declined to specify the exact amount but noted Dybantsa could have earned more elsewhere.#aj_dybantsa #byu #the_church_of_jesus_christ_of_latter_day_saints #kevin_young #silicon_slopes
Most Probable First-Round Upsets in 2026 NCAA Tournament The 2025 men’s NCAA tournament saw only five double-digit seeds advance in the first round, with two of them being 10-seeds, which are not classified as Giant Killers. The Elite Eight was the most predictable in history, featuring all top-three seeds, and the Final Four had only two 1-seeds. Despite this, March Madness remains defined by upsets, and analysts are now identifying potential candidates for this year’s tournament. Using ESPN’s BPI projections, the Giant Killer model highlights matchups with the highest upset probabilities. However, it’s important to note that probability does not guarantee outcomes, and the likelihood of multiple upsets this season is low. NCAA tournament betting lines are at record highs, and the model gives no team seeded 11th or lower a 40% chance of winning in the first round. Only one No. 12 seed, the perennial upset pick, has a 20% chance to advance. The model also indicates that last year had more high-probability upsets, with four matchups exceeding 40% and eight above 25%. For those looking to differentiate their brackets, here are the most likely candidates for upsets. The matchup between (11) VCU and (6) North Carolina has a 39% chance of an upset. North Carolina’s performance has been impacted by the absence of star freshman Caleb Wilson, who is out for the season due to a broken thumb. Without Wilson, the Tar Heels’ efficiency numbers dropped, particularly on the offensive glass and in 2-point field goal percentages. VCU, however, has been dominant, winning 16 of its past 17 games. The Rams’ balanced attack and aggressive playstyle, combined with their eight regular rotation players hitting at least 18 3-pointers this season, make them a formidable opponent. Another high-probability matchup is (11) NC State vs.#north_carolina #ncaa_tournament #byu #vcu #nc_state
College Basketball Picks: Odds, Best Bets for UNC-Clemson, BYU-Houston and Other Tournament Matchups Men’s college basketball’s Championship Week continues on Thursday, with key conference tournament games shaping up as critical opportunities for teams to secure NCAA Tournament berths. While no automatic bids are on the line, the matchups carry significant weight for teams vying for postseason inclusion. The ACC, Big 12, Big East, and several mid-major leagues have advanced to the quarterfinals, while the SEC and Big Ten are nearing Sunday’s conclusion. The day’s action kicks off early with games like Louisville vs. Miami at 2:30 p.m. ET and UCF vs. Arizona at 3 p.m. ET, with later contests including Clemson vs. North Carolina, BYU vs. Houston, and Oklahoma vs. Texas A&M. The SportsLine Projection Model, which has shown strong performance in recent college basketball betting, offers insights into Thursday’s top games. The model, which simulates every game 10,000 times, has a 14-2 record on its top-rated over/under picks and a 28-21 record on side bets since last season. Analysts recommend following its guidance for potential returns. In the BYU vs. Houston matchup, the Cougars enter with a three-game win streak after defeating West Virginia 68-48. Freshman AJ Dybantsa, who leads Division I in scoring at 25.2 points per game, has been a key contributor, tallying 88 points and 22 rebounds in their recent run. Houston, ranked No. 5, has also won three consecutive games following a losing streak against Iowa State, Arizona, and Kansas. The SportsLine model predicts BYU will cover the +10 spread in 59% of simulations, suggesting a close game. Clemson and North Carolina, both projected to make the NCAA Tournament, face off in a high-stakes contest.#oklahoma #north_carolina #clemson #houston #byu
2026 NBA Mock Draft: BYU's AJ Dybantsa Goes No. 1 Ahead of Kansas' Darryn Peterson March Madness has arrived, offering the final opportunity for college basketball players to make an impression on NBA scouts before the 2026 draft. With the regular season concluded, the competition for the top pick remains fierce, centered around three standout prospects: AJ Dybantsa of BYU, Darryn Peterson of Kansas, and Cameron Boozer of Duke. Dybantsa, the leading scorer in college basketball, has emerged as the favorite for the No. 1 overall selection. Standing at 6-foot-9 with a wingspan exceeding 7 feet, he combines athleticism, a refined offensive game, and improved passing and finishing skills. His ability to create his own shot and elevate his playmaking has solidified his status as a top-tier talent. However, questions about his consistency and leadership remain, though his production this season has addressed many concerns. Peterson, meanwhile, remains a strong contender despite lingering doubts about his durability. His versatility as a playmaker, shooter, and on-ball threat, paired with his backcourt size and length, makes him a valuable asset. Yet, his availability during the season has raised questions about his long-term reliability. If selected, he could thrive in a role alongside Tyrese Haliburton in Indiana, where his offensive skills would complement the team’s dynamic backcourt. Boozer, the most impactful player in college basketball, faces skepticism about his ceiling. Despite his physicality, basketball IQ, and ability to elevate his team’s performance, many believe he may slip outside the top two. However, his track record of winning and lack of durability concerns position him as a strong candidate for a top-three pick.#aj_dybantsa #byu #darryn_peterson #cameron_boozers #kansas
AJ Dybantsa Breaks Kevin Durant's Scoring Record During BYU's Big 12 Tournament Win vs. KSU BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa made an impressive debut in the college basketball postseason, scoring 40 points in the first round of the Big 12 tournament as the Cougars defeated Kansas State 105-91. His performance set a new Big 12 tournament record for a freshman, surpassing the previous mark held by former Texas star and future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant. Dybantsa’s 40-point effort highlighted his ability to dominate in high-stakes games, placing him in elite company among college basketball legends. The victory over Kansas State marked a significant milestone for BYU, as Dybantsa’s scoring output not only broke Durant’s tournament record but also solidified his status as one of the most talented freshmen in the nation. His 40 points came on a mix of efficient shooting and clutch plays, showcasing his versatility and composure under pressure. The Cougars’ 105-91 win underscored the impact of Dybantsa’s performance, as BYU’s offense surged with his contributions. Beyond the tournament record, Dybantsa’s season has already reached historic proportions. He became just the 10th freshman in Division I history to score 800 points in a single season, a testament to his consistency and skill. This achievement places him among the rarest talents in college basketball, with few players achieving such milestones at such an early stage in their careers. Dybantsa’s breakout game against Kansas State also reflected his growing role as a key player for BYU. His ability to carry the team in critical moments demonstrated the potential for him to be a cornerstone of the Cougars’ future success. As the Big 12 tournament progresses, his performance could position BYU as a serious contender in the conference race.#kansas_state #big_12_tournament #aj_dybantsa #byu #kevin_durant
Kansas State Basketball Season Ends with Defeat to BYU Kansas State basketball’s 2025-26 season concluded in heartbreaking fashion as the 15th-seeded Wildcats fell to 10th-seeded BYU in the opening round of the Big 12 Tournament. The game, played at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, ended with a final score of 105-91 in favor of the Cougars, marking the end of a season defined by inconsistency and underperformance. The loss came just days after Kansas State fired head coach Jerome Tang, who was dismissed for cause amid a 12-20 regular season that saw the team struggle with poor execution and a lack of cohesion. The decision to part ways with Tang was made with about a month left in the regular season, highlighting the mounting frustration over the program’s inability to compete at a higher level. This tournament exit further underscores the challenges facing the program as it looks to rebuild. BYU’s victory was propelled by standout performance from freshman AJ Dybantsa, who shattered the single-game Big 12 Tournament freshman scoring record with 40 points. His efforts were instrumental in securing the win, as the Cougars outscored the Wildcats in key stretches of the game. Dybantsa’s 40-point game also set a new record for the most points scored in a single Big 12 Tournament game, cementing his status as one of the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft. The game itself was a rollercoaster for Kansas State, which briefly mounted a comeback after falling behind by double digits. A 11-0 run in the second half, highlighted by a three-pointer from CJ Jones, brought the Wildcats within five points. However, BYU’s ability to respond with quick baskets and capitalize on turnovers kept the deficit manageable.#t_mobile_center #kansas_state #aj_dybantsa #byu #gene_taylor
BYU Star Freshman AJ Dybantsa Dominates Big 12 Tournament with 40-Point Performance BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa delivered a career-defining performance in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament, scoring 40 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out six assists in a 105-91 victory over Kansas State. The 6-foot-8 forward’s effort broke the previous record for points scored by a freshman in a Big 12 Tournament game, previously held by Kevin Durant, who scored 37 points in a 2007 title game against Kansas. Dybantsa’s 40-point outburst came after he took 21 shots, making 15 of them, showcasing his ability to dominate on both ends of the floor. Dybantsa’s season has been nothing short of spectacular, with averages of 25.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while shooting 52% from the field. His production has drawn comparisons to past Naismith Award winners, including Durant and Doug McDermott, who were also standout performers despite not being on top-10 teams. While Duke’s Cameron Boozer remains the favorite for the award, Dybantsa’s impact has positioned him as a legitimate contender, especially if his team continues its strong play. BYU’s ranking in the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 rankings has climbed to No. 26, with Duke remaining at No. 1 for the 18th consecutive day. The Cougars’ next challenge will be a second-round matchup against West Virginia, set for Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET. Coach Kevin Young praised Dybantsa’s all-around performance, calling him “a candidate to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.” The Top 25 And 1 rankings also highlighted other standout performances. Cameron Boozer led Duke with 26 points and 15 rebounds in a 76-61 win over North Carolina, while Yaxel Lendeborg poured in 27 points for Michigan State in a 90-80 victory over Michigan.#big_12_tournament #aj_dybantsa #byu #kevin_durant #cbs_sports_top_25_and_1
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
