The Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars delivered a resounding performance on December 2, 2023, defeating UC Riverside by a staggering 100-53 in their first home game in 32 days. Returning to the Marriott Center after an extensive road trip that included victories over several ranked teams, the Cougars showcased their offensive prowess and depth.
In the preceding weeks, BYU had engaged in a rigorous schedule, flying across the country for games and securing impressive wins, including a close match against UConn in Boston and a buzzer-beater victory over Clemson in New York City. That challenging stretch clearly paid off as the team came back to Provo with renewed energy and confidence.
Historic Offensive Performance
The Cougars marked their best offensive showing of the season, averaging an impressive 1.389 points per possession. They started strong, scoring 49 points in the first half, followed by another 51 in the second. BYU’s head coach, Kevin Young, acknowledged the team’s efforts, stating, “I was honestly a little worried about a letdown getting back home… but that was clearly not the case.”
BYU’s shooting statistics reflected their dominance: they achieved a field goal percentage of 59.1% and a remarkable 47.4% from beyond the arc. The team also demonstrated excellent ball movement, recording 22 assists and scoring 54 points in the paint. Dybantsa noted the importance of starting strong, stating, “We just wanted to bring that same mentality to the first half.”
Standout Players Shine
Leading the charge was AJ Dybantsa, who scored a game-high 26 points on 11-of-17 shooting. He also contributed eight rebounds, seven assists, and five steals, further highlighting his versatility. Young praised Dybantsa’s performance, calling it “incredible” and noting that the player’s contributions are pivotal for the team’s success. “We’re going to win a lot of games because of how good he is,” said Young.
In addition to Dybantsa, Richie Saunders kicked off the game with 10 points in the first four minutes, finishing with 19 points and five rebounds. Backup point guard Aleksej Kostić played a crucial role off the bench, hitting five three-pointers and finishing with 15 points and four assists. Young expressed excitement about Kostić’s potential, stating, “His shot making is a beautiful thing.”
Freshman Khadim Mboup also made an impact, achieving his first career double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The depth of the BYU squad was evident, with the bench scoring a season-high 36 points. This depth will be particularly important as the Cougars navigate the upcoming challenges in the Big 12 Conference.
As BYU improves to a record of 9-1 and 3-0 at home, they are set to face Pacific in their next matchup on December 5, 2023. The Cougars are looking to maintain their momentum and build on this impressive victory as they prepare for the rigors of conference play in January.
