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21 hours ago
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Kevin Young’s BYU squad didn’t flinch when things tightened. His freshman star simply took the ball, drove to the rim, and finished the job.
AJ Dybantsa scored 21 points in his first college game. It was a debut that started quietly but ended in full control as BYU outlasted Villanova 71–66 on Monday night at T-Mobile Arena.
“We were in the bonus,” Dybantsa said. “K was just telling me keep attacking the rim, ’cause they didn’t want to really foul. So I just listened to that advice and tried to make some plays.”
Young, in his second season leading the Cougars, said the poise from his 18-year-old forward stood out. “Down the stretch, we put the ball in his hands and he made plays,” Young said. “For his first game to have that kind of composure, I thought was impressive. That’s toughness we can build on.”
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Dybantsa admitted the step up from exhibition games felt different — but the moment never overwhelmed him. “It felt good,” he said. “Definitely different from the exhibitions, but it just feels good to get one under my belt and get a win.”
And for a freshman playing 400 miles from home, it didn’t feel much like a road trip. “It was damn near a home game for us,” Dybantsa said with a grin. “I’m just very grateful for the fans and the Mormon community for showing support.”
Young called the atmosphere “amazing,” saying BYU fans turned the neutral site into something familiar. “Every time I look around, I see how many blue shirts are in the building,” he said. “I feed off it. I know these guys do too.”
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