BYU's Grit and Determination Shine as They Head to March Madness
PORTLAND, Ore. - The BYU Cougars have had their fair share of ups and downs this season. From enduring losing streaks to navigating tough road trips and dealing with season-ending injuries, the team faced moments that tested their resolve. But rather than letting adversity define them, the Cougars used it as fuel to power through and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
As the No. 6 seed, BYU is set to take on No. 11 seed Texas in the first round of March Madness at the Moda Center. The journey here was anything but easy, and head coach Kevin Young knows exactly what got them to this point.
“You can’t just make stuff up this time of year,” Young emphasized. “You have to rely on the things you’ve done throughout the season.
Our focus has been on defense, rebounding, and playing together offensively. That’s where we’ve found success, and we’re carrying that into the tournament.”
The Cougars bounced back from a major setback - losing senior leader Richie Saunders to injury - with a significant home victory over then-No. 10 Texas Tech. They followed that up with wins against Kansas State and West Virginia in the Big 12 Tournament, and nearly toppled a strong Houston team in the quarterfinals.
Freshman sensation A.J. Dybantsa has stepped up in a big way, leading the nation with 25.4 points per game.
“We just persevered,” Dybantsa reflected. “Despite the injuries, we showed resilience.”
Sophomore guard Robert Wright III echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team’s unity. “We didn’t give up on each other. It brought us closer, and we started rolling at the right time.”
This isn’t BYU’s first rodeo at the Moda Center. The last time they played here, they delivered an impressive 81-49 win over No.
12 Oregon in 2021. With five players boasting NCAA Tournament experience - despite some being sidelined due to injuries - the Cougars are no strangers to the big stage.
Scouting Report: Texas
Texas arrives in Portland with momentum, having edged out North Carolina State 68-66 in a nail-biting First Four matchup. Tramon Mark’s clutch shot with 1.1 seconds left sealed the win for the Longhorns.
“We watched them play last night,” Wright said. “They’re fast-paced and have a dominant big guy in Matas Vokietaitis. They get everyone involved, and Mark hit some big shots.”
Despite a late-night journey to Portland, Texas head coach Sean Miller is fully aware of the challenge BYU presents. “We respect the Big 12 Conference,” Miller noted.
“BYU is a top team, and they’re investing in their program. They’ll be a prominent force in this tournament for years to come.”
The Cougars last faced Texas in 2024, securing an 84-72 victory. Since then, Texas has transitioned to the Southeastern Conference, finishing 9-9 in league play this season.
When asked if Texas has an edge after their recent win, Wright was clear: “In March, every team is hungry. It comes down to who wants it more.”
Dybantsa, who shattered the Big 12 Tournament freshman scoring record, is eager to face Texas, the alma mater of his favorite player. Coach Miller praised Dybantsa as a “generational talent,” highlighting his unique skills and impact on the game.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament First Round
- Matchup: No. 6 seed BYU (23-11) vs. No.
11 Texas (19-14)
- Time: Thursday, 5:25 p.m.
MT
- Location: Moda Center, Portland
- TV/Streaming: TBS
- Radio: BYU Radio
- Live stats: byucougars.com
This marks BYU’s 33rd NCAA appearance, with a historical 17-35 record. The Cougars have now reached the tournament for the third consecutive year, the longest streak since the Dave Rose era.
With a 5-2 all-time record against Texas, the Cougars are poised for a thrilling showdown. The winner will advance to face either Gonzaga or Kennesaw State in the second round.