BYU Tops TCU 76-70, Horned Frogs Suffer Third Straight Loss

URGENT UPDATE: In a thrilling clash, the No. 11 BYU Cougars overcame the TCU Horned Frogs with a 76-70 victory on January 11, 2024, marking TCU’s third consecutive loss and dropping their record to 1-4 against ranked opponents this season.

The game unfolded at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, where the Cougars, now boasting a record of 16-1 and 4-0 in the Big 12, extended their winning streak to an impressive 13 games. AJ Dybantsa showcased his talent, scoring 17 of his 25 points in the second half, pivotal in reversing the team’s fortunes after a sluggish start.

The first half saw BYU struggle offensively, making just 1 of 11 from beyond the arc, and trailing TCU 36-30 at halftime. However, a pivotal 9-0 run in the second half shifted momentum, driven by Dybantsa’s explosive plays and a critical three-pointer from Mihailo Boskovic.

Richie Saunders contributed significantly with 18 points, while Robert Wright III added 15 points, six rebounds, and six assists, solidifying the Cougars’ offense. TCU’s Xavier Edmonds led his team with 19 points and eight rebounds, while Micah Robinson added 10 points off the bench.

As the clock wound down, Saunders’ only three-pointer of the night gave BYU a commanding 70-63 lead with just 2:14 remaining. Keba Keita sealed the win with a crucial block in the final moments, finishing with 10 rebounds.

Looking ahead, TCU is set to face Utah this Saturday, January 13, while BYU prepares for a tough matchup against No. 15 Texas Tech on the same day. The stakes are high as both teams aim to solidify their standings in the competitive Big 12 conference.

This latest defeat raises questions about TCU’s ability to compete against top-tier teams, as they struggle to find their rhythm. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Horned Frogs respond in their next outing.