AJ Dybantsa delivered a standout performance on March 15, 2024, scoring a remarkable 43 points to lead the BYU Cougars to a 91-78 victory over the Utah Utes. This achievement not only secured a win for the No. 13 ranked team but also set a new freshman scoring record at BYU, surpassing the previous record held by Danny Ainge.
Dybantsa showcased his scoring prowess by hitting 15 of 24 shots from the field and converting 9 of 10 free throw attempts. In addition to his scoring, he contributed six rebounds, three assists, and one blocked shot. His performance marked the first time he reached the 40-point milestone in his collegiate career.
The game was notable not only for Dybantsa’s record but also for its place in NCAA history. According to ESPN Research, he became the third player on an Associated Press-ranked team to score over 40 points on the same day, a feat that has only occurred three times in history, with previous instances on February 10, 1990, and February 23, 1970.
Supporting Dybantsa’s efforts, Rob Wright III added 21 points, while Richie Saunders contributed 12 points to help the Cougars improve their record to 17-2 overall and 5-1 in the Big 12 Conference. This victory was particularly significant as it followed a disappointing 84-71 loss to Texas Tech just a week prior. BYU’s strong second-half performance, where they shot 60%, helped them pull away from Utah in the latter part of the game.
Utah’s offense was led by Keanu Dawes, who scored 23 points and grabbed six rebounds. Terrence Brown contributed 22 points, and Dom McHenry added 16 points for the Utes, who managed to shoot an impressive 62% from three-point range. Despite this, Utah’s record fell to 9-11 and 1-6 in conference play after the defeat.
Turning Points in the Game
Dybantsa’s performance was pivotal in the game’s critical moments. He capped a 14-3 run with a driving layup, extending BYU’s lead to 69-56 with just under ten minutes remaining. Saunders played a key role in this stretch, contributing back-to-back layups and free throws. Dybantsa further solidified BYU’s lead by scoring four baskets over five possessions, including a dunk and three three-pointers, which propelled the Cougars ahead 87-68 with only 3:12 left on the clock.
The Utes initially gained momentum with a 16-7 spurt that allowed them to take a 28-26 lead midway through the first half. They accomplished this after starting the game poorly, missing their first seven shots. BYU, however, responded effectively, scoring on four of their final six possessions to establish a 42-37 lead at halftime, with Dybantsa playing a significant role in the scoring.
As the game concluded, Dybantsa’s performance not only marked a personal milestone but also set the stage for an exciting matchup against the top-ranked Arizona team in their next contest. The victory against Utah underscored BYU’s resilience and ability to bounce back, positioning them well as they prepare for future challenges in the season.
