BYU Snaps Skid in Waco Behind Career Nights from Dybantsa and Wright
It had been a minute since BYU felt the thrill of a win-17 days, to be exact. But Tuesday night in Waco, the Cougars found their rhythm, their swagger, and most importantly, their first win in nearly three weeks. And they did it in style.
Freshman phenom AJ Dybantsa and Baylor transfer Rob Wright III lit up Foster Pavilion in a high-octane 99-94 victory over the Bears, snapping BYU’s four-game slide and delivering a much-needed jolt to their Big 12 campaign.
A Homecoming to Remember for Wright
Wright, who earned Big 12 All-Freshman honors last year in a Baylor uniform, made his return to Waco a memorable one. The sophomore guard dropped a career-high 30 points, adding four rebounds and three assists in a performance that felt as personal as it was electric.
He looked comfortable, confident, and completely in control-especially in the first half, when he poured in 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting to help BYU erase a 12-point deficit and head into halftime tied at 41.
Wright’s performance was a reminder of the talent he showcased last season in that very building. But this time, he was wearing Cougar blue-and he left no doubt about where his loyalties now lie.
Dybantsa Dominates
If Wright brought the steady hand, Dybantsa brought the fireworks.
The freshman forward exploded for 36 points, five rebounds, and seven assists, putting on a clinic in shot-making and playmaking. He had 18 by halftime and kept his foot on the gas coming out of the break, fueling a 13-2 run that gave BYU a 56-50 lead just six minutes into the second half.
He was relentless, attacking the rim, knocking down shots, and drawing contact. When he calmly sank two free throws with 4:18 remaining to push BYU’s lead to 17, it felt like the Cougars had finally broken through.
Historic Night for the Cougars
Dybantsa and Wright became the first BYU duo to each score 30 points in a game since Jan. 14, 1984, when Devin Durrant and Brett Applegate combined for 66 in a shootout win over Utah. That’s over four decades of Cougar hoops history-and these two just etched their names into it.
Richie Saunders chipped in 15 points and nine boards, providing the kind of gritty, glue-guy effort that doesn’t always show up in headlines but matters just as much in the win column.
Paint Presence and Defensive Pressure
While the offense will get the spotlight, BYU’s defense and interior dominance quietly set the tone. The Cougars outscored Baylor 64-40 in the paint and turned 13 forced turnovers into 24 points. That’s the kind of two-way effort that wins road games in the Big 12.
And it was needed, because Baylor came out hot.
The Bears hit five of their first six threes and shot 75% from the field early, riding Tounde Yessoufou’s 18 first-half points to a double-digit lead. Yessoufou finished with a game-high 37 points, knocking down five triples and doing everything he could to keep Baylor in it.
Cameron Carr added 24 points and eight rebounds, while Caden Powell chipped in 13 points and five boards. But despite their offensive firepower, Baylor couldn’t keep BYU out of the paint or off the scoreboard.
Late Push Falls Short
Baylor made one final push. Yessoufou’s fifth three sparked a 10-2 run, and a jumper from Williams cut the lead to five with under a minute to play.
But BYU held firm, closing the door on a comeback and sealing their first win since Jan. 26.
For a team that’s been searching for answers during a rough stretch, this was more than just a win-it was a statement. The Cougars reminded everyone what they’re capable of when their offense clicks, their defense travels, and their young stars shine.
And if Tuesday night in Waco is any indication, BYU might just be heating up at the right time.