BYU Set for NCAA Tournament Showdown Against Texas
The excitement of March Madness is in full swing as BYU gears up for its 33rd NCAA Tournament appearance. The sixth-seeded Cougars are set to face Texas at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, with the tip-off scheduled for 4:25 p.m. PT on Thursday.
Where to Catch the Action
Fans can tune in to TBS to catch the game, with commentary from Brad Nessler, Wally Szczerbiak, and Jared Greenberg.
A Storied March Madness Journey
BYU boasts a 17-35 all-time record in the NCAA Tournament and holds a 5-4 record when seeded sixth. This marks their third consecutive appearance, a feat not achieved since their six-season streak under Dave Rose from 2007-2012. The Big 12 has made history, matching its record with eight teams in the tournament for the fourth straight year, a testament to the conference's competitive depth.
Scoring Sensation
Freshman phenom AJ Dybantsa is on the brink of history, closing in on Devin Durrant for third place on BYU's single-season scoring list. With 859 points in 34 games, he's just eight points shy of surpassing Durrant. Dybantsa, alongside Durrant and Jimmer Fredette, is one of only three players in BYU history to score over 800 points in a season.
Neutral Site Warriors
The Cougars are no strangers to neutral venues, having played 11 games on such courts this season, including showdowns in iconic NBA arenas. Their lone game at the Moda Center was a memorable 81-49 victory over No.
12 Oregon during the Phil Knight Invitational in 2021. Alex Barcello led that charge with a stellar 25-point performance.
Defensive Prowess
BYU's defense has been a force, ranking fourth in the Big 12 and 41st nationally with 4.4 blocks per game. Senior Keba Keita has been a standout, contributing over 33% of the team's blocks this season. His 55 rejections are tied for the seventh-most in a single season in program history.
Dynamic Duo
AJ Dybantsa and Robert Wright III are on the cusp of becoming only the second duo in BYU history to combine for 1,500 points in a season. They currently stand at 1,477 points, needing just 23 more to join this exclusive club. Their consistent performances have been crucial, with both players starting every game this season.
Consistent Six-Seed Success
BYU is familiar with the sixth seed, marking their fourth consecutive appearance at this spot. Historically, they've made it to the Sweet 16 twice as a six-seed, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
Rebounding Machines
Offensive rebounding has been a hallmark for BYU, averaging 13.8 boards per game, ranking them 33rd nationally. Their tenacity on the glass has been a significant factor in their success, with 421 offensive rebounds this season, tying for the third-most in program history.
As the Cougars prepare to battle Texas, all eyes will be on their dynamic playmakers and defensive stalwarts to see if they can make another deep tournament run.