BYU's Benally sets freshman assists record in WBIT win over Alabama A&M

No. 1 seed Cougars roll past Bulldogs as Benally ties career-high in points and sets program freshman record for assists in a season

Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:34am

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Brigham Young guard Sydney Benally tied her career high with 18 points, including four 3-pointers, and set the BYU freshman record for assists in a season in leading the Cougars to a 72-47 win over Alabama A&M in the first round of the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament. With the win, BYU will host a second-round WBIT game against Missouri next Monday.

Why it matters

BYU was the first team on the outside of the NCAA Tournament bubble, and the Cougars didn't let the disappointment of missing the NCAAs impact how they started their WBIT opener. Benally's record-setting performance helped BYU pull away from Alabama A&M and advance in the postseason tournament.

The details

Benally tied her career high with 18 points and set the BYU freshman record for assists in a season with 139, passing Shaylee Gonzales' former record of 134. The Cougars outrebounded the Bulldogs 49-32, shot 46.9% from the field while holding Alabama A&M to 29.6%, and doubled up the visitors 8-4 on 3-pointers made. BYU also dominated in fast break points, 16-2.

  • Benally assisted a Brinley Cannon 3 just 3:24 into the game, setting the freshman assists record.
  • With her five assists Thursday, Benally stands at 139 on the year and is primed to add to that total as long as BYU's postseason run lasts.
  • Benally also set another freshman record with her 34th start of the season.

The players

Sydney Benally

A Brigham Young guard who tied her career high with 18 points, including four 3-pointers, and set the BYU freshman record for assists in a season with 139.

Lee Cummard

BYU's first-year coach who was worried about the psychological aspect of his team having just missed the NCAAs, but said his team was 'focused' from the jump.

Lara Rohkohl

A BYU senior forward who added 13 points, five rebounds, two blocks, an assist and a steal.

Kalia Walker

An HBCU first team All-American who led Alabama A&M with 20 points, two rebounds and a steal in the loss.

Hattie Ogden

A BYU senior who hit two fourth-quarter 3-pointers, which was met with adulation from the crowd after she didn't score on Senior Night.

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What they’re saying

“We just wanted to really come out strong, and I think that now that we're in this thing, the juices are flowing and we're ready to go.”

— Lee Cummard, BYU head coach

“She got us started right from the get-go. She's always a really decisive passer and makes great passes and did that again tonight.”

— Lee Cummard, BYU head coach

“It's thanks to my teammates. They get open and they knock down the shot and (it) shows that I'm an unselfish basketball player. I just want anything for the win. I look to see my teammates first.”

— Sydney Benally

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 case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.