KISSIMMEE, Florida — The BYU Cougars showcased their resilience once again, rallying from behind to defeat the Dayton Flyers 83-79 in a thrilling championship game at the ESPN Events Invitational held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on March 15, 2024. This victory marks another impressive turnaround for BYU, which has consistently demonstrated the ability to surge in the second half of games this season.
Entering halftime down by four points, BYU faced an immediate challenge as Dayton opened the second half with a three-pointer. Yet, the Cougars responded decisively, embarking on a remarkable 15-0 run that propelled them into a commanding lead. This performance mirrored their previous game against Miami, where BYU overcame a halftime deficit with a dominant opening run in the second half to secure a 72-62 victory.
Strong Finish and Key Performers
Despite the Cougars’ initial struggles, head coach Kevin Young noted the team’s improved decision-making after halftime. “They took it to us, honestly, to start the game,” Young said. “But ultimately, we made smarter choices in the second half, which allowed us to regain control.” As the game progressed, BYU’s defense adapted, effectively stifling Dayton’s scoring opportunities.
With the score tied at 67 points and less than four minutes remaining, Rob Wright III hit a crucial three-pointer to put BYU ahead. Although Dayton quickly answered with a three of their own, Richie Saunders responded with two three-pointers and converted three free throws in the final moments, ensuring the Cougars maintained their lead. Young praised Saunders’ tenacity, highlighting his “will to win” as essential to the team’s success.
In a standout performance, Saunders scored a career-high 29 points, contributing eight rebounds and three steals. He was instrumental in BYU’s offensive efforts, alongside Wright and AJ Dybantsa, who combined for 70 of the team’s 83 points. Wright added 23 points and six assists, while Dybantsa scored 18 points with four rebounds and three assists.
As a team, BYU shot 51.8% from the field, with an impressive 45.5% from three-point range, particularly excelling in the second half where they made 65.6% of their shots. This dominant shooting performance raises the question of whether BYU can be labeled a second-half team. Young acknowledged this trend, stating, “We scored 53 points in the second half against a tough opponent. We need to find that energy sooner in games.”
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the victory, the Cougars faced concerns over their bench production, as they received no points from their reserves in this game. This issue is compounded by the recent injury to Dawson Baker, a key contributor who sustained a lower body injury in the previous game against Miami. Young expressed hope for Baker’s recovery but acknowledged the need for other players to step up in his absence.
With this win, BYU improves to 6-1 in nonconference play, having faced formidable opponents such as Villanova, Wisconsin, and UConn. Young emphasized the importance of these challenging matchups, stating, “Playing against teams like Dayton early in the season provides valuable experiences we can draw on later.” As they prepare for the remainder of the season, the Cougars aim to build on their momentum and continue their impressive performances on the court.
