BYU Rolls Past Pacific with 36-Point Win, Moves to 10-1 Behind Dybantsa, Wright, and Saunders
BYU didn’t need to be perfect Tuesday night - and they weren’t - but when you’ve got the firepower this team does, even a sloppy showing can turn into a blowout. The Cougars took care of business at the Marriott Center, cruising past former WCC rival Pacific 93-57 to notch their 10th win of the season and improve to 59-22 in Big 12 play.
This was BYU’s first matchup against Pacific since leaving the West Coast Conference, and while the Tigers managed to make it interesting for a stretch, the Cougars slammed the door shut with a dominant second-half run. Let’s break it down.
1. BYU Didn’t Play Clean - But Still Dominated
This wasn’t a wire-to-wire masterpiece, and BYU head coach Mark Pope would be the first to tell you that. The Cougars shot just 20% from three in the first half, turned the ball over more than they'd like, and let Pacific pull within single digits early in the second half.
But then came the knockout punch - a 30-5 run that buried the Tigers and reminded everyone why this BYU team is so dangerous. Even when they’re not clicking early, they’ve got the depth, athleticism, and scoring punch to flip the switch and take over.
By the final buzzer, BYU had cleaned up the stat sheet: 46.8% shooting from the field, 39.3% from deep, and a nearly automatic 24-for-27 from the free throw line. They won the rebounding battle 42-32 and turned 17 Pacific turnovers into 25 points. That’s how you turn a sluggish start into a 36-point win.
And while this was BYU’s first Quad 3 win of the season, it’s worth noting they already have six Quad 1 and 2 wins under their belt - a strong early-season résumé for a team with big March aspirations.
2. The “Brig 3” Took Over - Again
The heart of this BYU team is its star trio: AJ Dybantsa, Rob Wright III, and Richie Saunders - and they were lights-out on Tuesday.
Together, they combined for 69 of BYU’s 93 points, shooting a collective 56.7% from the field (21-for-37). It was the first time since 2020 that three BYU players each scored 20+ points in the same game.
Let’s start with Dybantsa. The freshman phenom - and potential No. 1 overall pick - notched his first career double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
He’s now posted four straight 20-point games, the first Cougar to do that since Tyler Haws in 2015. His blend of power, finesse, and court awareness is already elite, and he’s only getting better.
Wright was just as impactful. The freshman guard poured in 22 points to go with five rebounds, four assists, and five steals.
He’s the engine that keeps BYU’s tempo high and their defense disruptive. His ability to create offense on both ends of the floor is a major reason why this team has looked so composed in big moments.
And then there’s Saunders, who led all scorers with 24 points and added four rebounds and three assists. He was a menace defensively, racking up five steals - all in the first half. His energy set the tone early, and his scoring touch helped BYU weather the early shooting struggles.
These three have quickly become one of the most dynamic trios in college basketball, and on nights like this, they’re nearly impossible to stop.
3. Tyler Mrus Seizes His Moment Off the Bench
With Aleksej Kostić sidelined by illness, BYU needed someone to step up off the bench - and Tyler Mrus delivered.
The Idaho transfer hadn’t made much of a statistical splash this season, averaging less than a point per game and shooting just 14.3% from deep. But Tuesday night, he flipped the script in a big way.
Mrus scored 15 points and didn’t miss a shot - 4-for-4 from three, 3-for-3 from the line. It was the kind of breakout performance that not only helped BYU pull away but could also signal a turning point for the junior guard.
Remember, he was a 40% shooter from beyond the arc last season at Idaho. If he can rediscover that rhythm consistently, BYU’s bench just got a whole lot deeper.
What’s Next for BYU?
At 10-1, the Cougars are rolling - and they’re doing it with a mix of star power, depth, and defensive intensity. Even on a night when the shots weren’t falling early, they found a way to dominate late. That’s the sign of a mature team with high expectations.
With the Big 12 schedule looming, BYU is building momentum - and more importantly, confidence - with each win. If the “Brig 3” keeps firing like this and guys like Mrus continue to emerge, this team won’t just be fun to watch come March - they’ll be a serious threat.