9. BYU (9-1)
Early returns have been pretty solid out of Provo for a talented new roster highlighted by AJ Dybantsa, Rob Wright III and others, but what exactly can we realistically expect from this team? The Cougars made the Sweet Sixteen last season and arguably have a better team this year, evident in big wins over Wisconsin and Miami back in November.
This week started with another nice win in New York City, as the Cougars somehow climbed back from a 21-point halftime deficit for a 67-64 win over Clemson. Dybantsa starred with 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists but Wright hit the buzzer beater and had 17 points in a heroic effort. No major comeback was needed on Saturday, as BYU triumphed 100-53 over UC Riverside. Dybantsa put up 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists while Richie Saunders added 19 points.
Something we’ve seen several times this season is slow starts from BYU, but some heroic second half play has really saved them in these big games. That late performance against Clemson by their top players will be something to remember for the entire season. It’s just three games at home until Big 12 play begins in the New Year, starting with Pacific in just a few days as the final nonconference tune ups.