Arizona Wildcats host BYU Cougars in key NCAAM matchup

BYU looks to upset #4 Arizona despite losing top scorer to injury

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The #4 Arizona Wildcats (23-2, 10-2) host the #23 BYU Cougars (19-6, 7-5) in a key NCAAM matchup on Wednesday night. Arizona has suffered two straight losses and looks to get back on track, while BYU aims to pull off the upset despite losing their leading scorer Richie Saunders to a season-ending ACL injury.

Why it matters

This game features two top teams in the country, with Arizona looking to solidify its status as a national championship contender and BYU trying to prove it can compete with the elite programs despite key injuries. The outcome could have major implications for both teams' NCAA Tournament seeding.

The details

Arizona enters as a 12.5-point favorite at home, led by a talented backcourt of Brayden Burries and Jaden Bradley along with a dominant frontcourt duo of Motiejus Krivas and Tobe Awaka. BYU will lean heavily on star freshman AJ Dybantsa and guard Robert Wright to try and pull off the upset, but will miss the scoring of the injured Richie Saunders. Arizona's stifling defense, which ranks 3rd nationally in adjusted efficiency, will be a major challenge for the Cougars.

  • The game is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Arizona Wildcats

The #4 team in the country, with a 23-2 record and 10-2 in conference play. They are led by a talented backcourt and dominant frontcourt.

BYU Cougars

The #23 team in the country, with a 19-6 record and 7-5 in conference play. They will be without their leading scorer Richie Saunders due to a season-ending ACL injury.

AJ Dybantsa

A star freshman for BYU, leading the team with 24.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.

Brayden Burries

The leading scorer for Arizona, averaging 15.7 points per game.

Jaden Bradley

An experienced senior guard for Arizona, averaging 13.4 points and 4.4 assists per game.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to replace Richie's production on offense, but our focus has to be on the defensive end. Slowing down Arizona's talented roster will be the key to pulling off the upset.”

— Robert Wright, BYU Guard (BYU Athletics)

“This is a big opportunity for us to get back on track and show we're still one of the top teams in the country. We have to bring our 'A' game defensively to contain BYU's star players.”

— Brayden Burries, Arizona Guard (Arizona Athletics)

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a major step towards securing a high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This matchup between two top-25 teams features a clash of styles, with Arizona's stifling defense looking to slow down BYU's high-powered offense led by star freshman AJ Dybantsa. The Cougars' ability to overcome the loss of Richie Saunders will be crucial in determining if they can pull off the upset on the road.