Just 11 days after a tough loss in Morgantown, BYU turned the tables on West Virginia in Kansas City. The Cougars secured a decisive 68-48 victory over the 7-seeded Mountaineers in the Big 12 tournament's second round, setting up a quarterfinal clash with Houston.
BYU's season record now stands at 23-10, with an 11-9 tally against Big 12 opponents.
Three Key Takeaways
Stellar Defense by BYU
The Cougars' defense was nothing short of spectacular, especially considering their earlier struggles in Big 12 play. Against West Virginia, BYU allowed just 48 points, holding the Mountaineers to 0.8 points per possession and forcing 22 turnovers, which translated into 17 points for the Cougars.
In the first half, BYU's defense was relentless, holding West Virginia without a field goal for stretches of more than seven and four minutes. Another six-minute drought late in the second half further showcased their defensive prowess. During these periods, BYU outscored West Virginia 37-10.
BYU also limited West Virginia to 38% shooting and dominated the boards, winning the rebound battle 35-30. They snagged 16 offensive rebounds, leading to 12 second-chance points.
Off the bench, Dominique Diomande and Khadim Mboup made significant defensive contributions, each posting defensive ratings of 92.9 and stop rates of 83.8%. Mboup collected six rebounds, while Diomande's three steals included a highlight-reel windmill dunk.
Kennard Davis Jr. Heating Up
Kennard "Moo" Davis Jr. is finding his stride at just the right moment. With his third consecutive game scoring 10+ points, Davis is hitting his groove. He notched a season-high 20 points, sinking five three-pointers and adding put-back buckets from offensive rebounds.
Davis' hustle and defensive intensity were pivotal, as he grabbed two steals and set the defensive tone for BYU. Despite an up-and-down season, Wednesday's performance was his standout moment, emerging as a key perimeter threat and adding creativity to the Cougars' offense.
While Richie Saunders' absence is felt, Davis' recent form has softened the blow. Since Saunders' injury, the Cougars are 4-0 with him on the bench and 0-4 without.
AJ Dybantsa's Historic Run
AJ Dybantsa continues to make history. He surpassed Kevin Durant for the most points scored in a two-game span in Big 12 tournament history, racking up 64 points over two games.
After a 40-point explosion against Kansas State, Dybantsa added 27 more against West Virginia, along with seven rebounds and three assists. In the first half, he was directly involved in 22 of BYU's 31 points. Despite six turnovers against Kansas State, he tightened up his play with only two against West Virginia.
Dybantsa now boasts 26 games with 20 or more points this season, including a streak of 12 consecutive contests hitting that mark.
The Cougars' blend of defensive tenacity, emerging talent, and record-breaking performances sets a promising stage as they advance in the tournament.