Texas Tech Rallies Past BYU, Snaps Cougars’ 13-Game Win Streak
LUBBOCK, Texas - For a moment, it looked like BYU was going to keep the streak alive. Up nine midway through the second half, the Cougars were rolling behind a career night from Robert Wright III and a strong showing from Richie Saunders. But then Texas Tech turned up the pressure - and the shooting - and closed the door with a red-hot finish, handing BYU an 84-71 loss at United Supermarkets Arena.
The defeat snapped BYU’s 13-game win streak and served as a statement win for a Texas Tech team that refused to fold, even when momentum seemed to be squarely on the Cougars’ side.
Let’s break down how it all unfolded.
Wright III’s Career Night Not Enough
Robert Wright III did everything he could to keep BYU in this one. The sophomore guard dropped a career-high 28 points on 9-of-17 shooting, and he was perfect from the free throw line (9-for-9). After a relatively quiet first half with just six points, Wright erupted for 22 in the second, attacking the rim, drawing contact, and keeping BYU’s offense afloat during a critical stretch.
He also added five rebounds, three assists, and a steal - a complete performance that showcased his growth and poise under pressure. But even with Wright’s heroics, BYU couldn’t withstand the late-game surge from the Red Raiders.
Saunders Steps Up Again
Richie Saunders continues to be a steady presence for BYU, and he delivered again with 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting. The senior guard was active on both ends of the floor, collecting four rebounds, two steals, and a block. His energy helped spark a second-half run that briefly gave BYU control of the game.
Saunders and Wright III combined for 18 of BYU’s next 21 points during a four-minute stretch in the second half, including four made threes - two apiece - that had the Cougars up 46-37 with 9:26 to play. It was a stretch that showed just how dangerous BYU can be when those two are clicking.
A Tale of Two Halves
The game opened with Texas Tech coming out fast and aggressive. Christian Anderson set the tone early with two quick threes, helping the Red Raiders jump out to an 8-2 lead. BYU responded with a 6-0 run fueled by Saunders and freshman AJ Dybantsa, who showed flashes of his potential with a couple of strong finishes in the paint.
BYU briefly took the lead midway through the first half, but foul trouble - particularly a pair of quick whistles on Keba Keita - disrupted their rhythm. Mihailo Boskovic finally knocked down BYU’s first three of the night, but Texas Tech closed the half on a 7-2 run and took a 32-31 lead into the break.
In the second half, BYU came out swinging. Wright III scored back-to-back layups in a matter of seconds, and the Cougars looked like they were ready to take over. A flurry of buckets from Wright and Saunders gave BYU its largest lead of the game at 46-37, and the Red Raiders were reeling.
But then the game flipped.
Texas Tech Closes with a Flurry
After being held scoreless for nearly three minutes, Texas Tech found life - and they didn’t miss again. The Red Raiders hit their final seven shots of the game, including a barrage of threes and three-point plays that completely swung the momentum.
A blocked three-point attempt by Saunders looked like it might keep the Cougars in control, but Texas Tech grabbed two offensive boards on the same possession and buried a three to ignite a 20-4 run. That stretch, which lasted less than five minutes, turned a nine-point BYU lead into a seven-point deficit.
Toppin led the charge for the Red Raiders during that run, and BYU simply couldn’t stop the bleeding. Fouls piled up late, with Abdullah Ahmed whistled for back-to-back shooting fouls that allowed Texas Tech to extend the lead from the line.
From there, it was all about game management. The Red Raiders hit their free throws, BYU couldn’t close the gap, and the clock ran out on the Cougars’ win streak.
Looking Ahead
BYU showed flashes of dominance in this one - particularly during that second-half run - but the inability to close and the late foul trouble proved costly. Wright III’s breakout performance is a silver lining, and Saunders continues to be a reliable two-way presence. But if BYU wants to maintain its top-15 status and make noise come March, they’ll need to figure out how to finish games like this.
As for Texas Tech, this win speaks volumes. They absorbed BYU’s best punch and responded with a knockout run of their own. If they can bottle up that late-game efficiency, they’re going to be a tough out in the Big 12.
One streak ends, but the season rolls on - and both of these teams just showed they’ll be right in the thick of things.