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AJ Dybantsa’s 21-Point Second Half Headlines BYU’s Narrow Loss to No. 3 UConn

Hurley’s praise with a courtside Celtics presence accelerated the freshman’s national profile.

Nov 15, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) passes the ball turned over by BYU Cougars guard Robert Wright III (1) during the second half at TD Garden. Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Nov 15, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Ryan Conwell (3) shoots against Ohio Bobcats forward Ayden Evans (5) during the first half at KFC Yum! Center. Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
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Nov 15, 2025; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga (40) shoots against Princeton Tigers guard Landon Clark (8) during the first half at Allen Fieldhouse. Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Overview

  • BYU fell 86-84 at TD Garden as AJ Dybantsa led all scorers with 25 points on 8-for-14 shooting, including 21 after halftime.
  • UConn’s lead peaked at 20 with under 15 minutes left before BYU closed late; a Rob Wright III turnover ended a final chance to tie as Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed Jr. and Silas Demary Jr. scored 21 each for the Huskies.
  • UConn coach Dan Hurley lauded Dybantsa’s shot-making and mentality, calling his second half as good as you’ll see from a freshman and noting he could be the No. 1 pick.
  • The Boston homecoming drew a UConn-leaning crowd with “overrated” chants early and star attendees like Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Ray Allen and Caron Butler, while social media amplified Dybantsa’s NBA-readiness.
  • Dybantsa also published a Players’ Tribune essay about his path and BYU title ambitions, and he said Kevin Durant urged him to visit BYU before committing to Kevin Young’s NBA-style program.