BYU survives upstart Colorado in overtime, but Richie Saunders injury overshadows win

Career-high 39 points for Rob Wright III and near triple-double for AJ Dybantsa helped the Saunders-less Cougars escape the Buffaloes

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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BYU narrowly defeated Colorado 90-86 in overtime, but the win was overshadowed by an early injury to star player Richie Saunders. Saunders went down with a right knee injury less than a minute into the game, and his status moving forward is uncertain. Despite the loss of their leading scorer, BYU was able to pull out the victory thanks to career nights from Rob Wright III (39 points) and AJ Dybantsa (20 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists). The Cougars had to overcome a late Colorado comeback to force overtime, where they were able to pull away for the win.

Why it matters

Saunders' injury is a major blow for BYU, as he is the heart and soul of the team. His absence could have a significant impact on the Cougars' chances of success for the remainder of the season. The win over Colorado keeps BYU in the hunt in the tough Big 12 conference, but the team will need to find a way to replace Saunders' production if he is out for an extended period.

The details

BYU was heavily favored against Colorado, but the game took a dramatic turn less than a minute in when Saunders suffered a right knee injury. He had to be helped off the court and did not return. Despite the loss of their star player, the Cougars were able to grind out the win in overtime. Wright had a career-high 39 points, while Dybantsa nearly recorded a triple-double. BYU led by as many as 7 points late in regulation, but Colorado forced overtime with a late layup. In the extra period, the Cougars were able to pull away for the victory.

  • Saunders was injured less than a minute into the game.
  • BYU and Colorado were tied at 60 with just over 9 minutes left in regulation.
  • Colorado forced overtime with a layup in the final 18 seconds of regulation.
  • BYU plays a rematch against No. 1 Arizona next Wednesday.

The players

Richie Saunders

BYU's star player who suffered a right knee injury early in the game and did not return.

Rob Wright III

BYU guard who scored a career-high 39 points to lead the Cougars to victory.

AJ Dybantsa

BYU freshman forward who recorded a near triple-double with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Kevin Young

BYU's head coach who praised his team's ability to step up in the absence of Saunders.

Tad Boyle

Colorado's head coach whose team put up a tough fight against the heavily-favored Cougars.

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What they’re saying

“I think it sucked the life out the gym, if I'm being honest.”

— Kevin Young, BYU Head Coach (Deseret News)

“He's our hardest worker, super talented player, so I mean, hopefully we get him back.”

— Rob Wright III, BYU Guard (Deseret News)

“My dad, he tells me I don't rebound a lot, so I came in here and just, you know, wanted to prove to him that I can rebound.”

— AJ Dybantsa, BYU Forward (Deseret News)

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 highlighted the resilience of the BYU Cougars, who were able to overcome the loss of their star player Richie Saunders to grind out a tough victory over Colorado. However, the long-term impact of Saunders' injury remains to be seen and could have significant implications for the Cougars' season moving forward.