In a thrilling display of resilience, the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars overcame a halftime deficit to defeat the Dayton Flyers 83-79, securing the championship at the ESPN Events Invitational on November 24, 2023. The game, held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Florida, highlighted BYU’s ability to rally in the second half, a trend that has emerged early in the season.
Trailing by four points at halftime, BYU opened the second half with an impressive 15-0 run, part of a broader 26-4 scoring stretch that shifted the momentum in their favor. This was reminiscent of their previous game against Miami, where the Cougars also came back from a halftime deficit to secure a victory.
Key Performers Lead the Charge
Despite a strong start from Dayton, which included a three-pointer immediately after halftime, BYU maintained composure and executed a series of clutch plays down the stretch. Head coach Kevin Young praised his team for their improved decision-making in the second half, stating, “I thought Rob’s decision making in the second half was much better, along with AJ’s.”
With the score tied at 67 points in the closing minutes, Rob Wright III hit a crucial three-pointer to regain the lead for BYU. Richie Saunders and AJ Dybantsa contributed significantly, with Saunders scoring a career-high 29 points and making six three-pointers. Dybantsa added 18 points, while Wright finished with 23 points and six assists.
The trio, often referred to as the “Brig 3,” accounted for 70 of BYU’s total points, establishing themselves as dependable scoring options. Young acknowledged their contributions, saying, “Richie’s will to win is second to zero people in the country. This guy just finds a way.”
Challenges Ahead
While BYU’s starting lineup excelled, the bench production raised concerns, as the reserves did not contribute any points in the championship game. Khadim Mboup managed to collect six rebounds, but without the injured Dawson Baker, the bench’s lack of scoring could pose challenges for the team moving forward. Baker’s injury, sustained during the game against Miami, has left the Cougars without a key contributor for an uncertain period.
Looking ahead, BYU’s record stands at 6-1, having faced a series of tough opponents, including Villanova and Wisconsin. Coach Young noted the importance of these early-season challenges, stating, “It’s crucial, especially with teams like Dayton who are clearly going to be tournament teams.” As the season progresses, BYU aims to build on these experiences to enhance their performance in both conference play and potential postseason opportunities.
With their victory at the ESPN Events Invitational, BYU has not only claimed a championship but has also set the stage for a competitive season ahead. The Cougars will look to maintain their momentum as they prepare for the next phase of their schedule, seeking to build on their winning strategies and address areas for improvement.
