Cougars Triumph Over TCU 76-70, Advance to 4-0 in Big 12
The BYU Cougars delivered a compelling performance against the TCU Horned Frogs, securing a 76-70 victory at the Marriott Center. With this win, BYU improved its season record to 16-1 and remained unbeaten in the Big 12 with a 4-0 standing.
Slow Start, Strong Finish
Once again, BYU found itself in a familiar predicament. The Cougars struggled early, trailing by six points at halftime. They shot just 28.1% from the field and a mere 9.1% from three-point range in the first half, missing their initial eight attempts from beyond the arc.
Despite their rocky start, the Cougars forged a comeback in the second half, averaging 1.48 points per possession. They overcame a nine-point deficit to secure a six-point victory. Overall, BYU finished the game with a shooting percentage of 35.3% from the field and 20.8% from three-point territory, while converting 23 of their 29 free-throw attempts.
Key Players Drive the Victory
The “Brig 3” of Rob Wright III, Richie Saunders, and AJ Dybantsa combined for an impressive 58 points, with Mihailo Boskovic contributing a valuable eight points off the bench. Notably, Dybantsa had an outstanding performance, scoring 25 points and pulling down six rebounds, despite battling an illness throughout the game. His 17-point surge during a crucial stretch turned the tide in favor of BYU.
Dominance on the Boards
In addition to their scoring, BYU showcased their strength on the rebounds, dominating TCU with a 51-36 advantage. Particularly impressive was their performance in the second half, where they out-rebounded TCU by 17. Of their 51 rebounds, 21 were offensive, leading to 24 second-chance points. Key contributors included Keba Keita with 10 rebounds and Khadim Mboup with eight off the bench.
Looking Ahead
This victory served as a timely reminder that no team should be underestimated in the Big 12. The Cougars are now poised to face No. 15 Texas Tech this Saturday, and their upcoming matchup will test their resilience and determination.
