Kelvin Sampson Commends BYU Following Houston’s Victory Over Cougars

Houston’s head coach Kelvin Sampson expressed admiration for BYU following his team’s recent victory. On February 7, 2026, the Cougars bested BYU with a score of 77-66 in Provo. Sampson, whose team has not lost to BYU in their last four meetings, acknowledged the resilience and talent of BYU’s players.

Sampson’s Respect for BYU

After the game, Sampson remarked on the challenging atmosphere in Provo. “BYU is not an easy team to play against, especially in this building,” he stated. He highlighted the impressive support from local fans, calling it one of the best home court advantages in college basketball.

Notable Performances

Among the standout performances was BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa. He scored 28 points on 9 of 14 shooting, contributing five rebounds and four assists. Sampson praised Dybantsa’s skills, stating, “The Dybantsa kid is special. You’re not going to stop him.” The challenge for Houston was to make him work hard for his shots, which they managed to do.

Challenge against Houston’s Defense

BYU guard Richie Saunders struggled offensively, finishing the night with only seven points on 1 of 8 shooting. Sampson credited his team for effectively limiting Saunders’ scoring opportunities. “We didn’t want him getting to the rim. We loaded and took away his driving lanes pretty good,” he explained.

Houston’s Season Progress

The victory improved Houston’s record to 21-2 overall and 9-1 within the Big 12 Conference. The team continues to aim for another conference title and a top seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

Team Culture and Character

Sampson emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong team culture. He noted that all his players are high-character individuals, which minimizes discipline issues. “They’re all going to be college graduates, except the ones that will go to the NBA early,” he stated, reflecting on the positive environment he strives to cultivate.

Conclusion

Kelvin Sampson’s Houston Cougars showed resilience and skill in defeating BYU. Despite BYU’s talented roster, including standout AJ Dybantsa, Houston’s strategy and team dynamics led them to a significant win. As the Cougars look forward to the rest of the season, their commitment to excellence remains evident.