BYU Looks for Redemption Against West Virginia in Big 12 Tournament Showdown
Kansas City, Mo. - The stage is set for a thrilling rematch as BYU takes on West Virginia in the Big 12 Tournament, seeking to avenge their February 28 loss. In that encounter, West Virginia emerged victorious with a 79-71 win, largely thanks to Honor Huff's standout 24-point performance. Slowing down Huff will be crucial for BYU if they want to flip the script this time around.
The game, now airing on ESPN2, promises to be a pivotal Quad 2 matchup, with the winner advancing to face the No. 2 seed, Houston, in the Quarterfinals. Fans can expect comprehensive coverage from KSL Sports at the T-Mobile Center.
Key Storylines for BYU vs. West Virginia
- AJ Dybantsa's Encore Performance
BYU's AJ Dybantsa was nothing short of spectacular in the tournament opener, setting a Big 12 Tournament freshman scoring record with 40 points against Kansas State. His versatility was on full display, scoring from all areas of the court and demonstrating his remarkable skill set.
Coach Kevin Young praised Dybantsa's complete performance, highlighting his ability to score in various situations. In their previous meeting, West Virginia managed to contain Dybantsa in the first half, holding him to just four points.
For BYU to succeed, Dybantsa will need to replicate his dominant form.
- West Virginia's Strategy to Control the Pace
West Virginia will likely aim to slow down the game, a tactic that worked in their favor during the previous matchup, one of BYU's slowest-paced games of the season. BYU, on the other hand, thrives on a fast-paced, high-scoring style, as evidenced by their record-setting 105-point performance against Kansas State.
The Cougars will need to maintain their offensive rhythm and capitalize on their three-point shooting prowess, having hit 11 threes in their last outing. Protecting the ball and minimizing turnovers will be essential for BYU, especially as they look to outpace the Mountaineers.
- Role Players Stepping Up for BYU
The contributions from BYU's bench were vital in their win over Kansas State, with the reserves adding 19 points. Starter Kennard Davis Jr. also played a key role, scoring 15 points and hitting four three-pointers.
Davis has become a significant factor for BYU, especially with his recent offensive surge. Coach Young emphasized Davis's two-way play and his growing confidence, which has been crucial in recent games.
His defensive intensity and ability to make clutch shots could be game-changers against West Virginia.
Matchup Details
- Teams: 10-seed BYU vs. 7-seed West Virginia
- Event: 2026 Big 12 Basketball Tournament Second Round
- Date and Time: Tuesday, March 11, 2026, at 5 p.m. (MDT)/6 p.m.
(CDT)
- Broadcast: TV on ESPN2, Radio on KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM)
As BYU gears up for this crucial rematch, all eyes will be on how they handle West Virginia's pace and whether their star players can rise to the occasion once more. With a spot in the Quarterfinals on the line, the Cougars are poised to deliver an exciting showdown.