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No. 9 BYU Wins ESPN Events Invitational With Second-Half Surges

The championship highlights a rising résumé alongside new depth concerns following Dawson Baker’s injury.

Overview

  • BYU beat Dayton 83-79 in the title game after a 26-4 second-half burst, a night after topping Miami 72-62 with a 30-12 run out of halftime.
  • Richie Saunders scored 29 points against Dayton and was named tournament MVP, with Robert Wright III adding 23 and AJ Dybantsa 18.
  • Kennard Davis Jr. returned from a two-game team suspension and led BYU with 18 points versus Miami, providing a two-way spark.
  • Keba Keita anchored the defense against Miami with seven blocks as the Hurricanes struggled to 37.9% shooting and 22.7% from three.
  • Bench depth is an immediate question after Dawson Baker’s lower-body injury; BYU’s reserves scored zero points in the final as the Cougars moved to 6-1 and prepare to host California Baptist next.