US EditionNo. 8 BYU beats Villanova 71-66 and spoils the debut of new Wildcats coach Kevin Willard
Freshman AJ Dybantsa scored 21 points as BYU extended its regular-season win streak to nine games, while Villanova struggled with injuries and 11 turnovers, officials said.
- On Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, eighth-ranked BYU Cougars men's basketball team defeated Villanova Wildcats men's basketball team 71-66 at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, spoiling Kevin Willard, Villanova coach's regular-season debut.
- Scheduled under the previous Villanova coaching staff, the game was a `head-scratcher`, with Villanova facing injuries and a rebuild that left only one returning scorer.
- A 23-13 BYU run gave the Cougars a 12-point first-half lead, finishing with just four turnovers while Villanova committed 11 that led to 17 BYU points.
- The victory extended BYU Cougars' regular-season win streak to nine games, its longest since 2019-20, with Richie Saunders scoring 15 points and Robert Wright III adding 14 while Bryce Lindsay led Villanova with 22 points.
- BYU's fast, deep roster positions the BYU Cougars with Final Four aspirations, and the game was part of a marquee Las Vegas doubleheader featuring three preseason top teams.
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Marietta Daily Journal
CWEB.com - Trending News, Business News, Shopping Deals, VideosAJ Dybantsa stars in debut as No. 8 BYU tops Villanova
AJ Dybantsa scored 21 points in his college basketball debut -- including 13 in the second half -- to lead No. 8 BYU to a 71-66 victory over Villanova in Las Vegas on Monday night in the teams' season opener.
Henry Herald
KMJ-AF1AJ Dybantsa (21) stars in debut as No. 8 BYU tops Villanova
AJ Dybantsa scored 21 points in his college basketball debut -- including 13 in the second half -- to lead No. 8 BYU to a 71-66 victory over Villanova in Las Vegas on Monday night in the teams' season opener.
Winnipeg Free Press
No. 8 BYU beats Villanova 71-66 and spoils the debut of new Wildcats coach Kevin Willard
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
Villanova Basketball’s Comeback Attempt Falls Short In 71-66 Loss to No. 8 BYU
A 14-point second-half comeback by Villanova men’s basketball ultimately was not enough, falling to No. 8 Brigham Young University, 71-66, at the Hall of Fame Series in Las Vegas. Villanova (0-1) took on one of the best teams in the country in BYU and its five-star freshman AJ Dybantsa. The Wildcats struggled to find rhythm from beyond the arc in the first half, shooting 5-19 (26%). In total, the Wildcats shot 40% (24-67) on field goals and 29% …
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