UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the No. 9 BYU Cougars triumphed over the Dayton Flyers, clinching the ESPN Events Invitational with an 83-79 victory in Kissimmee, Florida, on November 24, 2023. Richie’s stunning performance led the charge, scoring a season-high 29 points to secure the win.
Richie Saunders dominated the court, hitting 9 of 15 shots, including 6 of 10 from three-point range, while also contributing 8 rebounds and 3 steals. Robert Wright III added 23 points with 6 assists, showcasing BYU’s offensive firepower as they improved to 6-1 this season.
The game took a dramatic turn as Dayton’s Javon Bennett, who scored 22 points and made 6 three-pointers, initially led the Flyers to a 36-30 halftime advantage. However, BYU responded fiercely in the second half, igniting a 15-0 run that shifted momentum, with back-to-back layups from Saunders and AJ Dybantsa.
Despite a spirited effort from Dayton, who shot 46.8% overall and 45.5% from beyond the arc, they could not hold off BYU’s surge. The Cougars finished the game shooting 51.8% overall and converting 15 of 18 free throws, proving their resilience under pressure.
As the clock wound down, BYU maintained their lead, with Saunders sealing the game with a crucial four-point play that left the Flyers scrambling. The victory marks a significant achievement for BYU, amplifying their visibility in the national rankings.
Looking ahead, BYU will host California Baptist on Wednesday, aiming to build on this momentum. Meanwhile, Dayton will face East Tennessee State on Tuesday, seeking to rebound from this narrow defeat.
Stay tuned for more updates as the college basketball season unfolds, and follow the latest developments on the AP Top 25.
