On a night that will surely be remembered in Provo for years to come, BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa delivered a performance for the ages, shattering records and electrifying the Marriott Center crowd as the Cougars toppled their archrival Utah, 91-78. For Dybantsa, the January 24, 2026, showdown was more than just a rivalry game—it was a stage to etch his name into BYU basketball lore and add fuel to the growing hype surrounding the 2026 NBA Draft class.
Dybantsa’s 43-point explosion didn’t just lead BYU to victory; it set a new freshman single-game scoring record for the program, surpassing the legendary Danny Ainge’s 36-point mark from 1977—a record that had stood for a remarkable 48 years. The freshman phenom was nearly unstoppable, shooting 15-of-24 from the field and a blistering 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, including three consecutive three-pointers in the closing minutes that sent the home fans into a frenzy.
“Generational talent.” That’s how Utah head coach Alex Jensen described Dybantsa after witnessing the onslaught firsthand. According to ESPN, Jensen admitted, "It’s the first time all season I’ve seen my own players quit down the stretch." High praise, and not without merit—Dybantsa’s performance left the Utes scrambling and the Marriott Center crowd roaring with every bucket.
This wasn’t Dybantsa’s first taste of rivalry drama, either. Just two weeks earlier, in Salt Lake City, he had poured in 20 points during BYU’s 89-84 win over Utah, enduring taunts of "over-rated" from the home crowd. But on this night in Provo, he silenced all doubters, finishing with a two-game tally of 63 points against Utah—an average of 31.5 points per contest.
The record-breaking night was punctuated by a three-pointer with 3:12 left that pushed BYU’s lead to 19 and got the crowd buzzing about a possible 40-point milestone. Dybantsa wasn’t done. He capped a personal run of 13 consecutive BYU points with a gravity-defying, one-handed slam dunk in the lane, putting the Cougars up 89-68 with just over two minutes remaining. The celebration was on, and the echoes of the dunk reverberated throughout the arena.
But it wasn’t a one-man show for BYU. Point guard Rob Wright III slashed through Utah’s defense all night, finishing with 21 points and repeatedly attacking the rim. Richie Saunders, despite a shaky start that included missed layups and an air-balled three, eventually found his rhythm and chipped in 12 points. The trio combined for 76 of BYU’s 91 points, a testament to the Cougars’ offensive firepower.
Utah, for their part, put up a fight, especially from long range. The Utes, usually a 38% three-point shooting team, lit it up with a sizzling 62% (13-of-21) from deep. Forward Keanu Dawes, who came into the game as a 25% shooter from distance, caught fire and knocked down 4-of-5 threes en route to a team-high 23 points. Guard Terrence Brown added 22 for the Runnin’ Utes, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Dybantsa’s heroics and BYU’s relentless attack.
BYU’s efficiency at the free-throw line also played a crucial role. The Cougars converted 19-of-23 attempts, with Dybantsa hitting 9-of-10 and Wright going 7-of-8. That ability to draw fouls and capitalize from the stripe helped BYU maintain their cushion as Utah tried to claw back late in the game.
The historical significance of Dybantsa’s 43-point outburst extends beyond BYU. According to ESPN, it was the first time in at least 20 years that three college freshmen each scored 40 points or more on the same day. Dybantsa’s performance was joined by Houston’s Kingston Flemings, who dropped 42 points against Texas Tech, and Illinois’ Keaton Wagler, who poured in 46 against Purdue. Each set a new freshman scoring record for their respective programs, making January 24, 2026, a truly unprecedented day in NCAA basketball history.
In the context of the Big 12 Conference, Dybantsa’s 43 points tie for the fourth-highest scoring output by a freshman in league history. Only former Oklahoma star Trae Young and Kansas State’s Michael Beasley have tallied more in a single game as freshmen. Not bad company for a player who’s still just getting started at the college level.
The national spotlight is shining brightly on this year’s freshman class, with Dybantsa and Duke’s Cameron Boozer (who scored 32 points on the same night) standing out as potential top picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, another projected lottery pick, was sidelined with an ankle injury, but the depth and talent of this class have NBA scouts salivating. As for Dybantsa, it’s becoming increasingly likely that BYU fans may only get to enjoy his talents for one season before he heads to the professional ranks.
With the win, BYU improved to 17-2 overall and 5-1 in Big 12 play, setting up a marquee matchup against the undefeated, No. 1-ranked Arizona Wildcats (20-0, 7-0) at the Marriott Center on Monday night. The Cougars will need every bit of Dybantsa’s magic and more to topple a Wildcats squad that boasts elite midrange and inside scoring. Head coach Mark Pope has indicated the team will hold only a limited walkthrough on game day, opting for rest and recovery over a full practice as they prepare for their biggest test of the season.
Freshman power forward Khadim Mboup could be an X-factor against Arizona after contributing six rebounds, two blocks, and a steal in 21 minutes versus Utah. His defensive hustle and ability to guard multiple positions helped BYU go on key scoring runs, and his presence will be vital against the Wildcats’ imposing frontcourt.
For the BYU faithful, Dybantsa’s record-setting night will be a memory to cherish, regardless of what the future holds. Whether or not he returns for a sophomore campaign, his 43-point masterpiece has already secured his place in Cougar history, right alongside legends like Danny Ainge and Jimmer Fredette. And with the eyes of the college basketball world now firmly fixed on Provo, all that’s left is to see what encore Dybantsa and the Cougars can deliver against the nation’s top team.
One thing’s for sure: after a night like this, anything feels possible at the Marriott Center.