In an electrifying showdown, BYU pulled off a stunning upset against No. 6 Iowa State, with AJ Dybantsa stealing most of the spotlight. The freshman sensation delivered a stellar performance, racking up 29 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, showcasing his defensive prowess as well.
Yet, the unsung heroes of BYU’s squad played a pivotal role in this confidence-boosting victory. With Richie Saunders sidelined for the season, Dybantsa and Rob Wright III have been taking on more responsibility, both playing the full 40 minutes against Iowa State. However, this game marked a significant shift as BYU’s supporting cast outscored the star duo for the first time in nearly a month.
Kennard Davis Jr., Mihailo Boskovic, Keba Keita, and Khadim Mboup stepped up, contributing a combined 44 points and 25 rebounds. This was BYU’s highest non-star scoring output since their game against UC Riverside in December.
Kennard Davis Jr. was a standout, finishing with 17 points and four rebounds. His energy was palpable, especially when he threw down a transition dunk that sent the Marriott Center crowd into a frenzy, prompting an Iowa State timeout.
Boskovic, stepping into a starting role in Saunders’ absence, set a new personal best with 13 points and added five rebounds. After a tough outing against Arizona, hitting his first three-pointer against Iowa State was a confidence booster. Despite missing his next six attempts, Boskovic’s perseverance paid off, ending the night with a solid shooting performance.
Keita also broke out of a slump, contributing nine points, six rebounds, three steals, and a block. Meanwhile, Mboup, the lone bench player to make a significant impact, scored five points and pulled down 10 rebounds, dominating the glass in the first half.
BYU head coach Kevin Young praised his players for stepping up when needed most. "There’s a lot to be said about opportunity and confidence," Young noted. "These guys stayed ready and delivered."
The victory wasn’t just a win on the scoreboard; it was a testament to the team’s resilience and adaptability. With Saunders out, BYU is reinventing itself, and this game was a crucial step in that journey. Young emphasized the importance of this victory, calling it potentially the most significant moment of his tenure.
The Cougars now face the challenge of building on this momentum. As Young put it, understanding why they succeeded against Iowa State is key to future success. The team’s determination and belief in each other are setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the season.