BYU’s AJ Dybantsa Strengthens Player of the Year Candidacy
In an intense matchup in Waco, Texas, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa showcased his remarkable basketball skills, further solidifying his candidacy for national Player of the Year honors. The Cougars defeated Baylor 99-94 on Tuesday night, with Dybantsa playing a pivotal role.
Key Performances
The game was highlighted by Dybantsa’s stellar performance. He scored 36 points on 14-of-20 shooting, in addition to five rebounds and seven assists. His efficiency was evident as he went 7 of 8 from the free-throw line and committed only one turnover in 40 minutes of play. This performance comes as he continues to lead his team in scoring, boasting a 24.5 points per game average, the highest in the nation.
- AJ Dybantsa: 36 points, 14-of-20 shooting, 5 rebounds, 7 assists
- Rob Wright: 30 points, contributing significantly to the victory
- Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor): 37 points, led Baylor’s scoring effort
Impact of the Win
This victory for BYU was critical, as it halted a potential five-game losing streak. It was their first win in the Quad 1 category since defeating Clemson at Madison Square Garden. The Cougars have now reached five Quad 1 wins this season.
Coach Kevin Young acknowledged the team’s growth through adversity. “It’s a long season,” he remarked. “We’ve learned from our recent losses.” Improvement on defense remains necessary, but the Cougars shot an impressive 55.9% from the field, which was key to the win.
Looking Ahead
BYU will face Colorado next, with hopes of further solidifying their place in NCAA Tournament discussions. They need to enhance their three-point shooting, having only converted 3 of 19 attempts in the recent game. Yet, their relentless focus on driving to the basket paid off.
As the season progresses, Dybantsa’s accomplishments continue to draw attention. He now holds four of the top five scoring performances by a freshman in BYU history, with his 36-point game marking one of the highest tallies since Danny Ainge in 1977.
Statistics Overview
| Player | Points | Shooting Percentage | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AJ Dybantsa | 36 | 70% | 5 | 7 |
| Rob Wright | 30 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Tounde Yessoufou | 37 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Dybantsa’s talent and determination make him a formidable candidate for Player of the Year, as he competes alongside notable players like Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Iowa State’s Joshua Jefferson.
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