BYU's AJ Dybantsa Sets Historic Scoring Marks Ahead of NCAA Tournament

Freshman phenom ties program records as Cougars prepare for March Madness

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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BYU Cougars freshman forward AJ Dybantsa has etched his name in the program's record books, tying the single-season marks for most 20-point games and most consecutive double-digit scoring performances. Dybantsa, who leads the nation in scoring at 24.7 points per game, will look to continue his historic campaign as BYU heads to the Big 12 and NCAA Tournaments.

Why it matters

Dybantsa's record-setting season has elevated BYU to new heights, with the Cougars projected as a No. 7 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. His individual success has also boosted his NBA draft stock, as the young star looks to lead BYU on a deep March Madness run.

The details

In BYU's regular-season finale, a 82-76 victory over No. 10 Texas Tech, Dybantsa scored 21 points, giving him 24 games this season with 20 or more points. That ties him for the fifth-most 20-point games in a single season in program history. Dybantsa has also scored in double figures in all 31 games this year, matching the 14th-longest such streak in BYU annals.

  • BYU concluded its regular season on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • Dybantsa tied the program records for most 20-point games and most consecutive double-digit scoring performances in that regular-season finale.
  • BYU is currently projected as a No. 7 seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, which begins on March 18, 2026.

The players

AJ Dybantsa

A freshman forward for the BYU Cougars who is leading the nation in scoring at 24.7 points per game.

Rob Wright III

A guard for the BYU Cougars who scored 27 points in the team's regular-season finale victory over Texas Tech.

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What they’re saying

“Dybantsa's historic season has been a huge boost for our program as we head into the postseason. We're excited to see what he can do in the Big 12 and NCAA Tournaments.”

— Mark Pope, Head Coach, BYU Cougars

What’s next

BYU will face Kansas State in the opening round of the Big 12 Tournament on Tuesday, March 11, 2026, as they look to secure a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

AJ Dybantsa's record-breaking campaign has put BYU basketball back on the national map, and the young star will have a chance to lead the Cougars on a deep March Madness run as they look to make noise in the NCAA Tournament.