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BYU Emerges as Dangerous NCAA Tournament Contender
Freshman star AJ Dybantsa leads resilient Cougars into March Madness
Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:19am
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Despite a season plagued by injuries, BYU has emerged as a potential bracket-buster in the NCAA Tournament thanks to the heroics of freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa. Dybantsa set a Big 12 Tournament scoring record, showcasing his ability to carry the Cougars' offense against elite competition.
Why it matters
BYU's unexpected run to the Big 12 Tournament final has transformed them into a team no one wants to face in the NCAA Tournament. With a generational scorer in Dybantsa and a roster that has weathered adversity, the Cougars have the makeup of a dangerous Cinderella capable of pulling off upsets.
The details
Dybantsa scored 93 points across three games in the Big 12 Tournament, setting a conference record. He opened with a 40-point performance, followed by 27 and 26 points in the next two games, even in a loss to top defensive team Houston. BYU has endured a season riddled with injuries, including six season-ending losses to key players, but the team has continued to compete at a high level with Dybantsa embracing increased responsibility.
- BYU fell short of a Big 12 Tournament title in Kansas City on March 12, 2026.
- Dybantsa set the Big 12 Tournament scoring record on March 10-12, 2026.
The players
AJ Dybantsa
A freshman star who has carried BYU's offense, setting a Big 12 Tournament scoring record with 93 points across three games.
Richie Saunders
An All-American candidate who earned first-team All-Big 12 honors a year ago but suffered a season-ending injury this year.
What’s next
BYU will look to continue its Cinderella run in the NCAA Tournament, where the Cougars will aim to shock the field and make a deep March Madness run.
The takeaway
BYU's unexpected success despite a season plagued by injuries has transformed them into a potential bracket-buster in the NCAA Tournament. Led by the heroics of freshman star AJ Dybantsa, the resilient Cougars have the makeup of a dangerous Cinderella capable of pulling off upsets and making a deep tournament run.
