Arizona BYU 86-83 Comeback January 26 2026
On January 26, 2026, No.1 Arizona Wildcats survived a massive scare against No.13 BYU Cougars, winning 86-83 at the Marriott Center. Arizona controlled most of the game but nearly lost after a late comeback led by freshman star AJ Dybantsa. This game kept Arizona undefeated in the Big 12 2026 season.
Source:
Reuters – Yahoo Sports
Arizona Desert Swarm
How close was AJ Dybantsa to upsetting Arizona?
AJ Dybantsa scored 24 points and led a late BYU rally that cut Arizona’s lead from 19 points to just one possession in the final minute. BYU had a chance to force overtime, but Arizona’s defense and free throws closed the game.
Source:
Reuters
Yahoo Sports
Arizona BYU 86-83 comeback January 26 2026 explained
Arizona jumped out early and maintained control for most of the game, but BYU’s aggressive shooting in the final minutes changed everything. Arizona needed clutch free throws and a late defensive stop to escape Provo with a win.
Source:
Arizona Desert Swarm
Reuters
Who were the top scorers in Arizona vs BYU?
Arizona was led by Brayden Burries with 29 points, followed by Jaden Bradley with 26 points. For BYU, AJ Dybantsa scored 24, while Richie Saunders added 18 and Kennard Davis contributed 17 points.
Source:
Arizona Desert Swarm
Reuters
Arizona Wildcats remain undefeated Big 12 2026
With this win, Arizona improved to 21-0 overall and 8-0 in Big 12 play, matching the best start in program history. They also remained the unanimous No.1 team in the AP Top 25, receiving all first-place votes.
Source:
AP News
Reuters
Why was this Arizona’s toughest game of the season?
This was Arizona’s closest win of the 2026 season. No other opponent had pushed the Wildcats this deep into crunch time, making this game a real test of composure and depth.
Source:
Reuters
BYU Cougars comeback rally vs Arizona
BYU hit 10 three-pointers in the second half, using pace and pressure to force Arizona into late mistakes. The Cougars showed they can compete with elite teams, especially at home.
Source:
Arizona Desert Swarm
Was AJ Dybantsa’s performance historic?
Yes. Just two days before facing Arizona, AJ Dybantsa scored 43 points against Utah, setting the BYU freshman scoring record. His performance against Arizona confirmed his status as one of the most dangerous young scorers in college basketball.
Source:
WSLS
Associated Press
Arizona Wildcats vs BYU game recap highlights
Key highlights included Arizona’s early dominance, BYU’s explosive late run, Burries’ clutch block, and Arizona’s calm execution at the free-throw line in the final seconds.
Source:
Arizona Desert Swarm
Reuters
Top college basketball Big 12 rankings 2026 impact
Arizona’s narrow win helped them maintain the top spot in national rankings, while BYU’s performance strengthened their position as a top-15 Big 12 contender despite the loss.
Source:
AP News
Reuters
Game Stats Table
| Team | Final Score | Top Scorer | Season Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Wildcats | 86 | Brayden Burries (29) | 21-0 |
| BYU Cougars | 83 | AJ Dybantsa (24) | Ranked Top 15 |
Source:
Arizona Desert Swarm
Reuters
FAQs (People Also Ask)
1. What was the final score of Arizona vs BYU on January 26, 2026?
Arizona won 86-83.
Source: Reuters
2. Did Arizona remain undefeated after the game?
Yes, Arizona stayed 21-0.
Source: AP News
3. How many points did AJ Dybantsa score vs Arizona?
He scored 24 points.
Source: Reuters
4. Who led Arizona in scoring?
Brayden Burries with 29 points.
Source: Arizona Desert Swarm
5. Was this Arizona’s closest game in 2026?
Yes, it was their tightest margin.
Source: Reuters
6. Where was the game played?
At the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah.
Source: Yahoo Sports
7. What record did AJ Dybantsa set earlier?
BYU freshman scoring record (43 points vs Utah).
Source: WSLS
8. How many three-pointers did BYU hit in the second half?
BYU made 10 three-pointers.
Source: Arizona Desert Swarm
9. What is Arizona’s Big 12 record in 2026?
They are 8-0 in Big 12 play.
Source: AP News
10. Is BYU still ranked after the loss?
Yes, BYU remained a top-15 ranked team.
Source: Reuters
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