BYU Closes Nonconference Slate in Style Behind AJ Dybantsa’s Historic Triple-Double
BYU didn’t just wrap up nonconference play - they slammed the door shut with authority.
Behind a jaw-dropping performance from freshman phenom AJ Dybantsa, the Cougars rolled past Eastern Washington 109-81 at the Marriott Center on Monday night. The win pushed BYU to 12-1 heading into Big 12 play, and if this final tune-up was any indication, Kevin Young’s squad is more than ready for the next level of competition.
Let’s dive into the biggest takeaways from a night that had plenty to talk about - starting with a performance that will be etched in BYU history.
AJ Dybantsa Makes History with 30-Point Triple-Double
We’ve seen AJ Dybantsa shine already this season, but Monday night? That was something else. The freshman delivered a 33-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double - the first by a BYU player since Kyle Collinsworth in 2016, and the first 30-point triple-double in program history.
Let that sink in: no one in BYU’s storied basketball history had ever done what Dybantsa just did. And he didn’t just do it - he made it look easy.
Dybantsa shot a blistering 11-of-13 from the field, good for an eye-popping 92.5% true shooting percentage. That’s not just efficient - that’s surgical. From scoring at all three levels to facilitating the offense like a seasoned point guard, Dybantsa looked every bit the generational talent he’s been hyped up to be.
He also became the youngest player in college basketball history to post a 30-point triple-double, adding yet another milestone to an already eye-opening freshman campaign.
Over the Cougars’ current four-game homestand, Dybantsa has averaged 29.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists - numbers that would be impressive for an NBA vet, let alone a college freshman.
Supporting Cast Steps Up in Offensive Showcase
While Dybantsa grabbed the headlines, he wasn’t alone in carrying BYU to a 109-point explosion.
Richie Saunders poured in 22 points, continuing his strong run of form as a reliable secondary scorer. Kennard Davis Jr. and Rob Wright III each added 17, with Wright also dishing out seven assists. The ball movement was crisp, the shot selection was smart, and the Cougars looked like a team that knows exactly who they are offensively.
As a unit, BYU shot 53.5% from the field and knocked down 38.1% of their threes. But the real story? The Cougars averaged 1.47 points per possession - an elite number that speaks to just how in sync this group was on the offensive end.
This wasn’t just a team playing well - it was a team playing connected basketball, with every piece clicking into place.
Defensive Concerns Linger Despite the Blowout
Now, not everything was perfect. While the offense was humming, the defense showed some cracks - and against a team ranked 260th in KenPom, no less.
Eastern Washington managed 81 points on 46.3% shooting from the field and hit 10 threes at a 31.3% clip. The Eagles trailed by just five at halftime and looked far more comfortable than they probably should have against a top-15 team.
Whether it was fatigue from playing four games in nine days or just a lapse in focus, BYU’s defensive intensity wasn’t where it needed to be. And as the Cougars step into the gauntlet that is Big 12 play, they’ll need to tighten things up - because teams in that league won’t let you off the hook.
Still, the Cougars now have a much-needed 12-day break to regroup, rest up, and refocus before the real test begins.
Big 12 Awaits: The Real Season Starts Now
With nonconference play officially in the books, BYU can look back on a 12-1 record that includes five Quad 1 wins and 10 victories by double digits. That’s not just impressive - that’s the kind of résumé that gets you noticed in March.
Their only loss came by two points to UConn - a national title contender - in a neutral-site game where BYU was missing two starters. Even in that defeat, the Cougars showed they belong on the big stage.
Dybantsa has been every bit the star BYU hoped for, but what’s made this team dangerous is the depth behind him. Saunders, Wright, Davis - they’ve all stepped up.
The bench is starting to produce more consistently. And while the defense still needs some work, the signs are there.
Kevin Young has this team playing fast, confident, and unselfish basketball. But now comes the real challenge: the Big 12. Widely considered the toughest conference in college basketball, it’s a league that tests your depth, your toughness, and your ability to win ugly.
BYU’s first Big 12 game? A road trip to Kansas State on January 3.
Buckle up - the Cougars’ journey through the Big 12 is about to begin. And if Monday night was any indication, they’ve got the firepower to make some serious noise.