PROVO, Utah – In a thrilling matchup at the Marriott Center, No. 11 BYU showcased their resilience and teamwork as they overcame a sluggish first half to defeat TCU 76-70, marking their 13th consecutive victory. The Cougars, now boasting an impressive 16-1 record and a perfect 4-0 in Big 12 play, relied heavily on the second-half heroics of AJ Dybantsa, who scored 17 of his game-high 25 points in the final 20 minutes of play. The game began with a sense of urgency from both teams, as TCU came out strong, taking an early lead. The Horned Frogs capitalized on their defensive prowess, forcing BYU into a series of turnovers and missed shots. By halftime, TCU held a narrow 36-32 advantage, fueled by their aggressive play and a balanced scoring attack that saw multiple players contributing. Despite the rocky start, the Cougars demonstrated their competitive spirit and ability to adapt. Head coach Mark Pope emphasized the importance of maintaining composure, stating, "It’s crucial to stay calm and trust the process, even when things aren’t going our way. Our guys executed the game plan in the second half, which was key to our success." The second half began with a renewed energy from BYU. Dybantsa quickly found his rhythm, draining three consecutive three-pointers, igniting the home crowd and shifting the momentum in favor of the Cougars. His scoring spree not only showcased his shooting skills but also lifted the confidence of his teammates. Dybantsa’s ability to create shots from beyond the arc proved pivotal, especially as TCU struggled to adjust defensively. Richie Saunders also played a crucial role in the victory, contributing 18 points and grabbing six rebounds. His versatility on the court allowed BYU to exploit mismatches, while Robert Wright III added depth to the team’s performance, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Wright’s playmaking abilities were instrumental in orchestrating the Cougars’ offense during critical moments of the game. As the second half progressed, BYU’s defense tightened, limiting TCU’s opportunities and forcing them into contested shots. The Cougars capitalized on these defensive stops, with fast-break opportunities leading to easy baskets. With Dybantsa leading the charge, BYU managed to build a lead that they would not relinquish. “AJ was phenomenal tonight. He stepped up when we needed him the most,” said Wright, praising Dybantsa’s leadership on the floor. “We all trust each other, and that’s what makes us a dangerous team.” TCU, while showing flashes of brilliance, could not keep pace with BYU’s scoring in the second half. The Horned Frogs’ inability to contain Dybantsa was particularly troubling, as the Cougars continued to exploit their defensive lapses. Despite the loss, TCU’s head coach Jamie Dixon remained optimistic about his team’s potential, stating, "We’ve shown we can compete at a high level. We just need to learn how to finish games like this one." The Cougars’ victory not only solidified their position in the Big 12 standings but also served as a testament to their growth as a team. With a solid mix of experienced players and emerging talent, BYU is positioning itself as a formidable contender in the conference. As they look ahead to their next matchups, the Cougars are focused on maintaining their momentum and continuing to develop their chemistry on the court. In the post-game press conference, Dybantsa reflected on the importance of teamwork and perseverance. "We’ve been working hard all season, and it’s paying off. Every game is a new challenge, but we trust each other and know we can overcome anything that comes our way." As BYU prepares for their upcoming games, fans are eager to see how the team will build on this impressive victory. With a strong roster and a determined mindset, the Cougars are poised to make a deep run in the Big 12 and beyond. The next challenge awaits, but for now, BYU celebrates their 13th straight win, a true testament to their hard work and dedication on the court.