BYU Narrowly Defeated by Top-Ranked Arizona, 86-83 Thriller
The BYU Cougars narrowly lost to the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats, 86-83, in a thrilling encounter on January 26, 2026. This match at the Marriott Center marked BYU’s first home loss since February 2025, leaving the team’s season record at 17-3 and their Big 12 conference record at 5-2.
Game Overview
In a dramatic contest, BYU’s comeback efforts fell just short. The team faced a significant challenge, trailing by as many as 19 points during the second half. Despite being down by 10 in the final minute, the Cougars rallied with an impressive 11-2 scoring run, reducing the deficit to a single point.
Key Moments
- With 12 seconds left, BYU had a chance to win, but Rob Wright III’s layup was blocked.
- Had Wright scored, it would have been BYU’s first victory over a No. 1-ranked team at home.
- Arizona’s victory maintained their unbeaten streak, with BYU suffering two close losses this season.
Standout Performers
Brayden Burries and Jaden Bradley were instrumental for Arizona, combining for 55 points. The duo displayed excellent shooting, with Burries notably contributing 36 points before halftime. In contrast, BYU’s star freshmen, AJ Dybantsa and Wright, struggled offensively.
Statistical Breakdown
| Team | Points | Shooting % | 3P % | Rebounds | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 86 | 52.8% | 4/13 (30.8%) | 32 | 12 |
| BYU | 83 | 46.3% | 8/39 (20.5%) | 29 | 12 |
Post-Game Reflections
BYU’s performance in the second half showed promise, scoring 52 points, a marked improvement from their first-half output. Key players like Kennard Davis Jr. emerged, scoring 17 points and hitting five three-pointers without a miss in the later stages. However, poor free-throw shooting, missing six attempts, loomed large in such a close game.
In summary, Arizona’s status as the top team in the nation was confirmed, while BYU demonstrated resilience and determination. They now look to refine their game as they aim for a deeper postseason run. Coach Kevin Young has noted the need for improvements to stay competitive against elite teams like Arizona.
