BYU Crushes Kansas State 105-91 Behind Dybantsa’s Record-Breaking 40 Points
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — One of the most disappointing seasons in Kansas State basketball history came to a crushing end Tuesday night, as BYU exploded for a Big 12 Tournament record 105 points in a 105-91 first-round victory over the Wildcats at T-Mobile Center.
The 10th-seeded Cougars were powered by freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa, who delivered a performance for the ages. The 6-foot-9 forward scored 40 points on just 21 shots while adding nine rebounds and six assists, breaking Kevin Durant’s Big 12 Tournament freshman scoring record of 37 points set nearly two decades ago.
“The Wildcats were helpless against Dybantsa. Nothing they tried on defense could slow him down,” observers noted as the likely No. 1 NBA Draft pick showcased his full arsenal in Kansas City.
Kansas State (12-20, 3-15 Big 12) concluded its season with the program’s most losses in five years, marking a stunning fall for a team that entered the campaign with postseason aspirations. The Wildcats were led by PJ Haggerty’s 27 points and Nate Johnson’s 19, but it was never enough to keep pace with BYU’s offensive onslaught.
The Cougars used a big second-half run to break open what had been a close game, turning a competitive matchup into a rout. BYU advances to face No. 7 seed West Virginia in Wednesday’s second round.
For Kansas State, attention now shifts to a critical coaching search. Former head coach Jerome Tang was fired midway through his fourth season, and interim coach Matthew Driscoll went 2-5 in his brief tenure. Athletic director Gene Taylor indicated before Tuesday’s game that the search is nearing its conclusion.
Taylor is hoping to finalize a deal with one of the candidates on his list by the end of the week. Among the names being discussed: Jerrod Calhoun from Utah State, Alan Huss from Creighton, and Casey Alexander from Belmont.
Haggerty’s performance provided one bright spot for K-State fans. The junior guard, who averaged 23.3 points during the regular season, elevated his game inside T-Mobile Center—averaging 30.3 points across three games at the venue this year, including a 37-point outburst against Mississippi State earlier in the season.
The Wildcats reportedly “played hard for Matthew Driscoll until the end,” though their 2-5 record under his guidance reflected the challenges of a season gone awry.
Elsewhere in the Big 12 Tournament’s opening round, No. 12 Arizona State pulled off an upset over No. 13 Baylor, while No. 9 Cincinnati dispatched No. 16 Utah. The tournament, being hosted in Kansas City for the 25th time, features innovative ASB GlassFloor technology with LED displays—marking a new era for the conference showcase.
Quarterfinals are set for Thursday, with semifinals following Friday and the championship game scheduled for Saturday at 5:00 PM CT on ESPN.
