BYU Dominates UC Riverside with 100-53 Victory at Home

The BYU Cougars showcased their offensive prowess with a commanding 100-53 victory over UC Riverside on December 2, 2023, marking their first home game in 32 days. After a challenging stretch that included six high-stakes games on the East Coast, BYU returned to the Marriott Center with renewed energy and focus. Over the past month, the Cougars secured five wins in tough matchups, including victories against ranked teams like Wisconsin and a buzzer-beater win over Clemson at Madison Square Garden.

BYU head coach Kevin Young expressed his concerns about the team’s potential fatigue after a taxing trip to New York, but he praised their ability to respond positively. “We had a pretty exhausting day the day after the game… I was honestly a little worried about a letdown getting back home,” Young remarked. The Cougars not only silenced those worries but delivered their best offensive performance of the season.

The team averaged an impressive 1.389 points per possession and racked up 49 points in the first half alone, continuing with another 51 points in the second half. AJ Dybantsa led the charge, scoring a game-high 26 points on 11 of 17 shooting, along with eight rebounds, seven assists, and five steals. Dybantsa’s performance underscored his evolution as a player, as he consistently contributes to both scoring and playmaking.

“We’re just trying to bring the mentality we have in second halves to the first half,” Dybantsa noted, reflecting on the team’s previous struggles with slow starts. The Cougars shot 59.1% from the field and 47.4% from three-point range, demonstrating their offensive depth with 22 assists and a robust performance in the paint, scoring 54 points inside.

Young praised the team’s fast-break execution, highlighting their season-high of 29 fast break points. “We wanted to emphasize playing with the pass more in transition… that’s more how we want to play,” he said. The Cougars’ bench also made a significant impact, contributing 36 points and showcasing their depth.

Backup point guard Aleksej Kostić particularly shined, hitting five three-pointers and finishing with 15 points, four assists, and a plus/minus of +36 in just 22 minutes of action. “His shot making is a beautiful thing… It was a matter of time before he was able to have a game like he had tonight,” Young commented on Kostić’s performance.

In addition to Dybantsa and Kostić, Richie Saunders added 19 points and five rebounds, while Rob Wright III contributed nine points and six assists. The team’s starters also played a pivotal role, with Keba Keita and Kennard Davis Jr. combining for 10 points and 13 rebounds.

As the Cougars improve their season record to 9-1 and remain undefeated at home, they will face former West Coast Conference rival Pacific in their next game at the Marriott Center on December 5, 2023. With the Big 12 play on the horizon in January, BYU’s recent performances suggest they are building momentum at the right time.

As the regular season progresses, fans and analysts alike will keenly watch how BYU maintains this momentum and continues to develop its young talent.