### A.J. Dybantsa's Stellar Performance Propels BYU to Victory in Big 12 Opener - A.J. Dybantsa, a freshman standout, made a significant impact in his Big 12 debut, leading No. 10 BYU to an 83-73 victory over Kansas State. Despite facing a challenging defense and committing seven turnovers, Dybantsa scored 24 points, showcasing his potential as a top NBA draft pick. This win marks BYU's 10th consecutive victory, extending their winning streak since their only loss in November 2025. The Cougars' performance in this game is crucial as they navigate through the competitive Big 12 conference [https://apnews.com/article/byu-cougars-aj-dybantsa-3a17ab4be22fd03f7ed3350d0b365ea7]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Dybantsa's Performance**: - Scored 24 points, contributing significantly to the team's offense. - Recorded eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals, demonstrating his all-around skills [https://www.ksl.com/article/51427431/dybantsa-defense-lift-no-10-byu-past-k-state-in-big-12-opener]. 2. **Team Contributions**: - Robert Wright III added 18 points, while Richie Saunders contributed 13 points. - Keba Keita was a force on the boards, grabbing 16 rebounds, which helped BYU maintain control of the game [https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/us-sports/aj-dybantsa-scores-24-no-10-byu-extends-winning-streak-to-10-with-83-73-win-over-kansas-state-101767473892107.html]. 3. **Kansas State's Efforts**: - P.J. Haggerty led the Wildcats with 24 points, along with seven rebounds and six assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome BYU's strong performance [https://www.kmjnow.com/2026/01/03/aj-dybantsas-24-points-lead-no-10-byu-over-kansas-state]. 4. **Game Dynamics**: - The game was characterized by a strong defensive effort from BYU, which prevented Kansas State from mounting a comeback in the second half [https://www.whec.com/ap-top-news/a-j-dybantsa-scores-24-no-10-byu-extends-winning-streak-to-10-with-83-73-win-over-kansas-state]. ### Statistical Highlights and Impact - **Final Score**: BYU 83, Kansas State 73 - **Winning Streak**: BYU has now won 10 straight games, their longest streak since 2010. - **Key Players**: - A.J. Dybantsa: 24 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals - Robert Wright III: 18 points - Richie Saunders: 13 points - Keba Keita: 16 rebounds - P.J. Haggerty (Kansas State): 24 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists [https://www.kshb.com/sports/college-sports/ksu/a-j-dybantsa-scores-24-no-10-byu-extends-winning-streak-to-10-with-83-73-win-over-kansas-state]. ### Conclusion: A Promising Start for BYU in Big 12 Play - **Key Takeaway**: A.J. Dybantsa's performance was pivotal in BYU's victory, highlighting his potential as a future NBA talent. The Cougars' ability to extend their winning streak to 10 games sets a positive tone for their Big 12 campaign. - **Next Steps**: As BYU continues its season, Dybantsa's contributions will be essential for maintaining their competitive edge in the conference [https://apnews.com/article/byu-kansas-state-score-c042ed4cdfa4e3e005defdebdedfed03].