Saunders Sparks No. 13 BYU’s Comeback from 21-Point Deficit Against No. 14 Kansas

In a thrilling showdown in Lawrence, Kansas, No. 13 BYU faced off against No. 14 Kansas in a highly anticipated matchup. The game saw BYU’s Richie Saunders shine, leading his team despite a tough loss.

Game Highlights

The game took place at Phog Allen Fieldhouse, where Kansas initially took control. The Jayhawks led by a significant 21 points during the contest. They secured a final score of 90-82 against the Cougars.

Key Players

• Richie Saunders (BYU): Career-high 33 points, 10 rebounds
• AJ Dybantsa (BYU): 17 points, 6-of-12 shooting
• Robert Wright III (BYU): 18 points, 6 assists
• Darryn Peterson (Kansas): 18 points, 3 rebounds
• Bryson Tiller (Kansas): Career-high 21 points, 7 rebounds

BYU’s Struggles and Rally

BYU struggled early in the game, particularly in shooting from beyond the arc. The Cougars managed only 4-of-16 attempts from three-point range, leading to a 53-33 deficit at halftime. Saunders, however, delivered a stellar performance, scoring 24 points in the second half alone.

Despite trailing for most of the game and having only a brief lead of 51 seconds, BYU made a spirited comeback. They executed a 44-29 run to cut the lead to just four points with a minute and 27 seconds left on the clock. However, they could not clinch the victory, facing their first consecutive losses of the season.

Statistics Overview

This game featured impressive performances from both teams, with an eye on the NBA draft prospects. As BYU seeks to bounce back in upcoming games, they will aim to improve both their defense and shooting ability.