KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As BYU moves deeper into its second season under coach Kevin Young, the BYU Cougars continue to define an identity built around balanced offensive involvement and steady defensive improvement.
Thursday’s Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal loss to No. 5 Houston offered another example of how those elements factor into BYU’s performance as the team prepares for the NCAA Tournament.
“I think we’ve found our identity as a team,” sophomore guard Rob Wright III said. “We’ve got role players stepping up, like (Dominique Diomande) and Aleksej (Kostić) hitting big shots for us. Just figuring out who we are as a team.”
Throughout the season, BYU has leaned heavily on freshman AJ Dybantsa and Wright, especially following the late‑season injury to senior guard Richie Saunders, who produced roughly 20% of the teams offense.
Both remained central against Houston. Dybantsa extended his streak of 20‑point games with 26 points, while Wright provided early momentum with first‑half scoring and ball handling under pressure.
BYU’s most efficient stretches, however, came when additional contributors were consistently involved.
“I’m a big believer in God. I knew my moment would come this year, next year, two years,” Diomande said. “You’d see me in the gym even when I wasn’t playing. This opportunity, I was ready for it. Just grateful to be in this position.”
Kennard Davis Jr., Kostić and Diomande all played notable roles in the first half. Davis added timely scoring, Kostić hit back‑to‑back 3‑pointers that helped BYU take a momentum building lead, and Diomande delivered key defensive stops.
Defensively, BYU continued the improvement it has shown in recent games, including its second‑round win over West Virginia. The Cougars pressured the ball effectively, contested shots at the rim and forced turnovers that created several first‑half momentum swings.
Keba Keita’s interior presence and improved perimeter rotations helped BYU manage Houston’s physical style and limit extended scoring runs.
BYU played with a scrappy approach that has become a growing part of its identity in recent weeks, relying on a back‑to‑basics defensive scheme that allowed them to stay competitive against Houston.
“I thought our defense for the most part was good,” coach Kevin Young said.
The defensive effort allowed BYU to take a halftime lead, but the second half became a possession‑by‑possession battle. Houston eventually built a seven‑point advantage as BYU entered a scoring drought.
With fewer touches for secondary scorers, the offense shifted toward more concentrated creation from Dybantsa and Wright, a pattern that coincided with BYU’s stalled possessions. Houston’s defensive pressure limited passing lanes and forced rushed attempts.
“You’ve just got to master physicality, master toughness,” Dybantsa said. “That’s the only way you’ll be in the game with them. Offensively, we just have to play our game, try to get downhill, try to facilitate for our teammates.”
As BYU turns its attention to the NCAA Tournament, maintaining offensive balance and building on its defensive progress remain central to its postseason outlook.
“We’re just figuring out who we are, and everyone’s stepping up,” Wright said.
The Cougars have shown they can compete through multiple styles, and sustaining contributions across the roster will play a significant role in how they navigate the next stage of March.