UPDATE: In a thrilling exhibition opener, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa showcased his potential by scoring 30 points in his college basketball debut, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory against Nebraska, losing 90-89 at Pinnacle Bank Arena on October 18, 2025.
Dybantsa displayed an impressive performance with seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block. However, Nebraska’s Rienk Mast and Connor Essegian combined for 51 points, leading the Huskers to victory. Mast was particularly lethal, hitting seven three-pointers and finishing with 31 points in just 29 minutes of play.
The standout moment came as Dybantsa lit up the court early, scoring 13 points in the first half. Yet, the disparity in three-point shooting proved critical, with Nebraska sinking 16 of 34 from beyond the arc, while BYU struggled to keep pace. Coach Kevin Young acknowledged the challenge, stating, “We want to test ourselves,” highlighting the tough competition ahead.
Alongside Dybantsa, other key players for BYU included Khadim Mboup with 12 points and 11 rebounds, and both Richie Saunders and Aleksej Kostic, each contributing 11 points. This match marked a significant start for BYU, who are projected to finish second in the Big 12 this season.
Fans are buzzing about the potential of Dybantsa, who has drawn attention as a possible NBA draft pick, and his performance lived up to the hype. “He’s tough. … I would draft him first, too,” Dybantsa remarked about Mast, showcasing the respect among young talent.
As BYU prepares for a packed schedule ahead, they will look to bounce back from this nail-biting loss. The Cougars aim to refine their defense and improve their perimeter shooting as the season progresses. College basketball enthusiasts will be closely watching how Dybantsa and the team respond in their upcoming games.
Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds and the stakes grow higher for both BYU and Nebraska!
