BYU, Richie Saunders create nightmare fuel for Wisconsin in tourney rematch

Richie Saunders once again proved to be Wisconsin’s problem.

Eight months after torching the Badgers for 25 points and seven rebounds in the NCAA Tournament, Saunders delivered an even more dominant encore Friday afternoon. 

The "Tater Tot King" poured in 26 points, including five 3-pointers, to lead No. 9 BYU past No. 23 Wisconsin 98-70 at the Delta Center. He powered a Cougars offense that overwhelmed the Badgers from start to finish.

Saunders added three rebounds, two assists and two steals, taking over when star freshman AJ Dybantsa sat with foul trouble. His performance helped BYU (4-1) earn its first win over a ranked opponent this season and further solidify his early-season All-America case.

Dybantsa still contributed 18 points and six boards, while Rob Wright III controlled the game with 11 assists, which is three more than Wisconsin totaled as a team, along with 10 points. BYU shot 54 percent from the field and 44 percent from beyond the arc. 

Wisconsin (4-1) could not match the Cougars’ offensive rhythm. The Badgers endured multiple extended droughts, shooting just 32 percent in the first half. Nick Boyd scored 16 points, and Nolan Winter posted 14 points and 14 rebounds, but their production couldn’t stem BYU’s surges.

Wisconsin briefly pulled within 56-49 after halftime, but Saunders slammed the door with a layup and four 3-pointers to spark a decisive 31-9 run.

Saunders is now averaging 20.8 points per game while shooting 40% from beyond the arc. Numbers that may soon earn national recognition.

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