AJ Dybantsa solidified his status as a rising star in college basketball by achieving a historic triple-double during the BYU Cougars 109-81 victory over the Eastern Washington Eagles on December 18, 2023. This remarkable performance marked both Dybantsa’s first triple-double and the first for the BYU program since March 2016, when Kyle Collinsworth accomplished the feat for the twelfth time.
In a game that showcased Dybantsa’s extraordinary talent, the freshman finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. At just 18 years and 329 days old, he became the youngest player in NCAA history to record a triple-double with at least 30 points. Dybantsa’s efficiency was notable, shooting an impressive 11 for 13 from the field, making him the first college player this century to achieve a 30-point triple-double with an 80% shooting percentage.
Dynamic Performance Captivates Fans
Fans at the Marriott Center erupted in excitement as Dybantsa secured his tenth assist by finding Mihailo Boskovic for a three-pointer late in the second half. This moment highlighted the culmination of his electrifying performance, which included 21 of his points scored in the first half. BYU head coach Kevin Young praised Dybantsa’s growth, noting, “He’s really starting to understand how aggressive he can be.” Young emphasized Dybantsa’s ability to draw fouls and create opportunities for his teammates, which was evident in his assist tally.
Despite a slow start that has plagued the Cougars throughout their nonconference schedule, the team managed to elevate its game in the second half. Dybantsa’s contributions were complemented by strong performances from teammates, with Richie Saunders and Kennard Davis Jr. each adding 22 points. The Cougars showcased their offensive prowess by scoring a season-high 109 points, shooting 53.5% from the field, and registering 23 assists against just nine turnovers.
Defensive Adjustments Propel BYU to Victory
While BYU’s offense flourished, their defense struggled initially, allowing Eastern Washington to shoot 51.5% from the field and 40% from three-point range in the first half. Young expressed concern over the team’s defensive disconnect, stating, “I thought Eastern Washington came in and played extremely free and aggressive.” The Cougars adjusted their defensive strategy at halftime, successfully limiting the Eagles to just 2 of 12 shooting from beyond the arc in the second half.
After the game, Rob Wright III shared his thoughts on Dybantsa’s performance, calling him “a great talent, a great player.” The buzz around Dybantsa continues to grow, especially during a month where he has averaged 27.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 2.3 steals while shooting 65.9% from the field over six games.
With this victory, BYU completed its nonconference schedule with a record of 12-1, including five victories against top-tier opponents. The Cougars will now have an 11-day break before kicking off their Big 12 play against Kansas State on January 3, 2024. Young acknowledged that while the team has room for improvement, they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead, stating, “There’s definitely things we can get better at, but I think we’re at a B+.”
