BYU secured a significant victory over No. 10 Texas Tech, overcoming an eight-point halftime deficit to win 82-76 on senior night at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah. The Cougars dominated inside, outscoring the Red Raiders 48-14 in the paint and recording their first win against Texas Tech since 1993.
“I’m proud of our guys because it has been an adversity-filled season.” Head coach Kevin Young said, “Something Richie Saunders has said several times is how much adversity brings teams together. Obviously, we’ve faced a lot of it, so being able to get on the other side of that and beat a really good team is something we can bottle up as we head into the postseason.”
BYU’s strong second half saw them outscore Texas Tech 44-30. The Cougars limited the Red Raiders to just 25 percent shooting from three-point range after halftime despite allowing a season-high 16 three-pointers overall. BYU also collected 20 offensive rebounds—its second highest total this season—which led to twice as many second-chance points compared to Texas Tech.
The Cougars committed only three turnovers while forcing nine from Texas Tech, resulting in a 13-3 advantage in points off turnovers.
Robert Wright III led BYU with 27 points on efficient shooting and was perfect from the free throw line (9-of-9). He added six rebounds and one steal. AJ Dybansta contributed 21 points and six rebounds with two assists; he has now scored double digits in every game this season and reached at least 20 points in his last ten games.
Kennard Davis Jr. scored double digits for the first time since late February with 16 points, making four three-pointers along with two offensive rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
Senior Keba Kieta nearly achieved a double-double in his final home game for BYU, scoring nine points on high-percentage shooting while grabbing eleven rebounds—six of them offensive.
Aleksej Kostic made his first career start for BYU and finished with five points, three rebounds, and an assist. Khadim Mboup added four points alongside six boards.
In the opening half, Texas Tech built early leads through perimeter shooting before BYU responded by attacking inside. Despite falling behind by as many as ten points in the first half, key plays from Davis Jr., Dybansta, Mboup, and Kostic helped keep BYU within reach at halftime.
The Cougars opened the second half aggressively with consecutive scores from Wright III and Kieta that quickly reduced their deficit. Over several runs fueled by aggressive rebounding and timely baskets—including crucial contributions from Dybansta—the Cougars took control midway through the period.
Texas Tech tied the game late after a scoring run but Davis Jr.’s late three-pointer put BYU back ahead before Wright III sealed the outcome with free throws down the stretch.
Next up for BYU is participation in the Big 12 Tournament beginning Tuesday, March 10 in Kansas City, Missouri. Coverage will be available via ESPN networks.
