Overview
- BYU beat Villanova 71-66 in the Hall of Fame Series opener at T-Mobile Arena, spoiling Kevin Willard’s regular-season debut as Wildcats coach.
- AJ Dybantsa led the Cougars with 21 points, six rebounds and three assists on 9-for-18 shooting, including 13 after halftime, while going 2-for-7 at the line.
- Richie Saunders posted 15 points and seven rebounds and extended his made free throws streak to 29, as transfer Rob Wright III added 14 and BYU finished with only four turnovers.
- After surrendering a 14-point lead, BYU responded with a 10-0 run and held Villanova without a field goal for roughly six minutes; the Wildcats still won the boards 49-43 with 31 second-chance points and Duke Brennan grabbing 15 rebounds.
- A pro-BYU turnout of more than 16,000 and heavy NBA-scout and media presence set the stage; next, BYU hosts Holy Cross on Saturday, while Villanova welcomes Queens University of Charlotte.