AJ Dybantsa’s Historic Performance Against Utah: A Record-Setting Masterclass
AJ Dybantsa delivered a stunning performance in a game against the University of Utah, scoring a career-high 43 points. This remarkable achievement took place on January 24, 2026, at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah. Dybantsa’s extraordinary scoring feat secured his name in BYU’s rivalry history, much to the excitement of fans in the Beehive State.
A Career-Defining Game
Before this monumental game, the freshman from Boston was unfamiliar with BYU’s intense rivalry with Utah. However, he quickly made an impact that fans won’t forget. Dybantsa completed the game with an impressive shooting percentage—15 of 24 from the field. He also excelled beyond the arc, making 4 of 5 three-pointers, and was nearly flawless from the free-throw line, connecting on 9 of 10 attempts.
Statistical Highlights
- Total Points: 43
- Shooting Percentage: 62.5% (15 of 24)
- Three-Point Percentage: 80% (4 of 5)
- Free-Throw Percentage: 90% (9 of 10)
- Rebounds: 6
- Assists: 3
- Blocks: 1
This performance not only marked Dybantsa’s highest scoring game but also set a new BYU record for freshman scoring. He broke the previous record of 36 points held by Danny Ainge since 1977. This achievement placed Dybantsa among a select few in BYU history, with only seven players having scored more than 43 points in a single game.
Coaching Praise and Future Prospects
BYU’s head coach, Kevin Young, praised Dybantsa, stating he sees him as a top contender for the upcoming NBA draft. Dybantsa’s determination came into play following a previous disappointing performance where he scored only 13 points. His resilience and ability to rebound showcased his potential as a “special player.”
The Runnin’ Utes’ head coach, Alex Jensen, also recognized Dybantsa’s talent, describing him as a “generational talent” and highlighting the vast potential he has to develop further.
Record-Setting Freshman Performances
Notably, Dybantsa’s 43 points coincided with historic performances from other freshmen across the nation. On the same day, Kingston Flemings scored 42 points for Houston, and Keaton Wagler tallied 46 points for Illinois against No. 4 Purdue. This marked the first instance in Division I history where three freshmen scored over 40 points in one day since the eligibility of freshmen was established in 1972.
Looking Ahead
Following this exhilarating victory over Utah, BYU is set to face top-ranked Arizona, who stands at 20-0, in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Dybantsa expressed his eagerness, stating that games like these are what he anticipated when joining the Big 12 Conference. He emphasized the atmosphere at the Marriott Center will provide significant support as the team looks to hand Arizona their first loss.
As AJ Dybantsa continues to shine, he positions himself for a promising future in basketball, embodying skill and perseverance that fans and analysts alike will watch with keen interest.
