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BYU Freshman AJ Dybantsa Breaks Danny Ainge's Scoring Record
Dybantsa sets new BYU freshman scoring record in loss to Arizona
Feb. 23, 2026 at 11:55pm
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BYU basketball star AJ Dybantsa broke the school's freshman scoring record previously held by Danny Ainge, despite the Cougars falling to the Arizona Wildcats 75-68. Dybantsa scored a game-high 33 points, including the record-breaking layup in the fourth quarter, boosting his draft stock ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Why it matters
Dybantsa's record-breaking performance showcases his immense talent and potential, making him a top prospect for the upcoming NBA Draft. The loss to Arizona is a setback for BYU, but the team will look to bounce back against the highly-ranked Iowa State Cyclones.
The details
Dybantsa used a sweet move to break Ainge's record, putting the ball on the floor after shaking off his primary defender and then making a sidestep to get past another Arizona player for the layup. Dybantsa entered the game with 609 points, needing just 23 more to tie Ainge and 24 to set a new mark. He accomplished the feat in just 26 games, compared to Ainge's 30 games during the 1977-78 season.
- Dybantsa broke the record with a layup in the fourth quarter of the game against Arizona on February 19, 2026.
- Ainge set the previous record of 632 points during the 1977-78 college basketball season.
The players
AJ Dybantsa
A freshman basketball player at BYU who has had an incredible season, culminating in him breaking the school's freshman scoring record previously held by Danny Ainge.
Danny Ainge
A former BYU basketball player who held the school's freshman scoring record of 632 points, which was set during the 1977-78 season.
What’s next
BYU will look to bounce back from the loss to Arizona when they host the No. 6 Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday.
The takeaway
Dybantsa's record-breaking performance solidifies his status as a top prospect for the upcoming NBA Draft, showcasing his impressive scoring ability and potential. Despite the loss, BYU will look to build on Dybantsa's historic night as they continue their season.
