BYU Dominates Pacific: Inside the Cougars’ Blowout Victory and Key Takeaways

BYU’s Statement Win: An Unstoppable Start and Relentless Pressure

On December 16, 2025, the No. 10 BYU Cougars hosted the Pacific Tigers at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, delivering a performance that left little doubt about their ambitions this season. The final score—93-57—was more than a tally; it was a statement. From the opening tip, BYU asserted control, and Pacific found themselves chasing shadows.

BYU’s aggressive defense was evident from the outset. The Cougars jumped to a 6-0 lead, with AJ Dybantsa, Richie Saunders, and Kennard Davis Jr. all scoring in the paint. Pacific missed their first eight field-goal attempts, a drought that set the tone for a grueling first half. By halftime, the Tigers had managed only 20 points, shooting 0-for-11 from three-point range (ESPN, PacificTigers.com).

Star Performances: BYU’s Big Three Shine

If there was any doubt about the offensive firepower in BYU’s lineup, this game erased it. Richie Saunders poured in 24 points, AJ Dybantsa racked up 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Robert Wright III added 22 points, with Wright and Saunders each grabbing five steals. Notably, it was the first time in 15 years that three BYU players scored 22 or more in a single contest (KSLSports.com).

AJ Dybantsa, a freshman already making national waves, continued his impressive run, pacing the Cougars with his blend of scoring and rebounding. Saunders, too, proved his consistency, shooting efficiently and providing veteran leadership. Wright’s 16 second-half points helped ensure BYU never relinquished their grip on the game.

For Pacific, junior Kajus Kublickas had a career night, dropping 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including four three-pointers. Senior Elias Ralph contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, showing his experience even as his team struggled to keep pace (PacificTigers.com).

Turning Points: Pacific’s Brief Rally and BYU’s Response

After halftime, Pacific emerged with renewed energy. Kublickas snapped the Tigers’ cold streak from beyond the arc, hitting back-to-back threes and sparking a 12-0 run. The deficit shrank to 47-38 with 14:29 left, and for a fleeting moment, the possibility of a comeback flickered.

But just as quickly, BYU extinguished that hope. Dybantsa drilled a three-pointer that ignited an 18-0 Cougar run. The Tigers, unable to match BYU’s intensity or depth, saw the gap widen once more. The Cougars shot 47% from the field, knocked down 11 three-pointers, and made 24 of 27 free throws—a clinic in efficiency. Pacific, meanwhile, managed only three free throw attempts and missed them all (ESPN).

Defense, Depth, and Aspirations: What Sets BYU Apart

Defense was the unsung hero of BYU’s win. Coach Kevin Young’s decision to apply full-court pressure early created havoc for Pacific, forcing turnovers and limiting clean looks. In the words of Young, perhaps the team “tripped onto something” with their press—an adjustment that could pay dividends against tougher opponents down the line (KSLSports.com).

The game also saw Idaho transfer Tyler Mrus step up, hitting all four of his three-point attempts. This boost from the second unit is exactly what BYU needs to maintain its trajectory as a Final Four contender. With a deep bench featuring Khadim Mboup, Aleksej Kostic, and Dominique Diomande, the Cougars appear built for the long haul.

Statistically, BYU’s scoring differential (+188, topping opponents by 18.8 points per game) and their ability to connect on nearly nine three-pointers a game at a 36.7% rate reflect a team firing on all cylinders. Pacific, for their part, entered with a respectable +138 differential and solid rebounding, but struggled to execute under BYU’s relentless pressure (NYTimes Athletic).

Pacific’s Perspective: Signs of Growth Amid Adversity

Despite the lopsided score, Pacific showed flashes of resilience. Their second-half shooting—7-of-14 from long range—and a 34-32 edge in points in the paint offer positives to build on. Kublickas’ career-high and Ralph’s steady production signal that the Tigers have pieces to compete, especially at home where they remain undefeated this season.

Pacific coach and players will likely dissect the first-half struggles, focusing on discipline and shot selection. Senior Jaden Clayton, ranked top-45 nationally in assists, chipped in six dimes, illustrating the team’s potential for balanced scoring and ball movement (PacificTigers.com).

As the Tigers return home for a non-conference finale against Nicholls State, they’ll look to leverage the lessons learned in Provo—namely, the importance of starting strong and maintaining composure against elite opposition.

Conference Implications and the Road Ahead

This matchup carried historical significance as the first meeting since BYU left the West Coast Conference for the Big 12. The Cougars, now 10-1, are chasing a top spot in their new conference, with formidable competition from teams like Iowa State and Arizona. Pacific, meanwhile, sits at 8-4 and will aim to regroup as conference play approaches.

For fans, the game was available on ESPN+, underscoring the growing visibility of college basketball and the importance of streaming in reaching wider audiences (Newsweek, NYTimes Athletic). As both programs push forward, this game will be remembered not just for its margin, but for the lessons and ambitions it revealed.

BYU’s dominant win over Pacific highlights the Cougars’ blend of elite talent, defensive innovation, and depth—a formula that could make them a genuine contender in 2025. For Pacific, the loss underscores the gap to bridge but also showcases individual growth and resilience, setting the stage for their own conference journey.