No. 23 BYU Cougars Fall to No. 4 Arizona Wildcats

Injuries to key players hamper both teams in Pac-12 showdown

Feb. 21, 2026 at 5:47pm

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The No. 4 Arizona Wildcats (23-2, 10-2) hosted the No. 23 BYU Cougars (19-6, 7-5) in a matchup of Big 12 powers, but both teams were dealing with injuries to key players. Arizona was missing freshman Koa Peat and rotation player Dwayne Aristode, while BYU lost forward Richie Saunders to a season-ending injury. Despite the absences, the game came down to Arizona's defense trying to slow down BYU's high-powered offense led by star freshman AJ Dybantsa.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the challenges both teams are facing with key injuries, as they try to maintain their standing in the highly competitive Big 12 conference. The outcome could have major implications for their postseason hopes and seeding.

The details

Arizona opened the season with 23 straight wins but has lost its last two games against Kansas and Texas Tech. BYU entered the matchup following a 90-86 overtime win against Colorado, but had lost four of its previous five games. Without Saunders, BYU will need to rely even more on Dybantsa, who scored 24 points in the teams' previous meeting. Arizona will also need more production from its leading scorer, freshman Brayden Burries, who had 29 points in the Wildcats' 86-83 win over BYU in January.

  • The game took place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 9PM EST.
  • Arizona opened the season with 23 straight wins before losing its last two games.
  • BYU entered the matchup following a 90-86 overtime win against Colorado, but had lost four of its previous five games.

The players

Koa Peat

A key freshman player for Arizona who has been declared out for the game.

Dwayne Aristode

A rotation player for Arizona who has been listed as questionable for the game.

Richie Saunders

A forward for BYU who has been declared out for the season with a knee injury.

AJ Dybantsa

A star freshman for BYU who will need to step up in Saunders' absence, having scored 24 points in the teams' previous meeting.

Brayden Burries

The leading scorer for Arizona, who had 29 points in the Wildcats' previous win over BYU.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to replace Richie's production and leadership. It's going to take a team effort.”

— Robert Wright III, BYU Guard (BYU Athletics)

“Our defense has to get back to its usual standard. We've given up too many points the last couple of games.”

— Brayden Burries (Arizona Athletics)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game showcases the challenges both teams are facing with key injuries, as they try to maintain their standing in the highly competitive Big 12 conference. The outcome could have major implications for their postseason hopes and seeding.