Full Breakdown
BYU's NCAA Tournament Journey Ends with Upset Loss to Texas
3/20/2026, 6:34:47 PM
Game Overview: Texas Upsets BYU
In a first-round matchup of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, the No. 11 seed Texas Longhorns defeated the No. 6 seed BYU Cougars 79-71 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, on March 19, 2026. Despite a standout performance from BYU's freshman forward AJ Dybantsa, who scored a game-high 35 points, the Cougars were unable to secure a victory, marking yet another early exit from the tournament for the program.
Key Performers
Matas Vokietaitis led Texas with 23 points and 16 rebounds, showcasing a dominant presence in the paint. His performance was crucial, particularly in the first half, where he contributed significantly to Texas's 46-37 halftime lead. Alongside Vokietaitis, Tramon Mark added 19 points, while Dailyn Swain and Jordan Pope contributed 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Dybantsa, who averaged 25.3 points per game during the season, played every minute of the game and was instrumental in keeping BYU competitive. He shot 11 of 25 from the field and made all 12 of his free throw attempts, but received limited support from his teammates, as the rest of the Cougars combined for only 36 points.
Game Dynamics
The game began with Texas establishing an early lead, going up 10-4. BYU managed to briefly take a 21-20 lead, but it was their only advantage throughout the contest. Texas's rebounding was a decisive factor, as they out-rebounded BYU 40-31, including a significant 21-11 margin in the first half. The Longhorns capitalized on their offensive rebounds, scoring 16 second-chance points, which proved critical in maintaining their lead.
BYU struggled with shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, finishing with just 18% (4 of 22) on three-point attempts. This shooting inefficiency, coupled with missed layups, hindered their ability to mount a comeback despite Dybantsa's efforts.
Official Statements & Responses
Texas head coach Sean Miller acknowledged the challenge posed by Dybantsa, stating, "We understood that he has the ability to score like nobody else. But what we talked about was a jump shot by him was a victory for us." BYU coach Kevin Young noted the team's defensive lapses, particularly in the first half, where Vokietaitis's dominance was evident.
Dybantsa expressed disappointment over the loss but reflected positively on his time at BYU, stating, "I love this place. I'm happy I chose here, I definitely made the right decision."
Criticism & Opposition
Critics pointed to BYU's lack of depth and defensive consistency as key factors in their defeat. The absence of Richie Saunders, who was sidelined with a torn ACL, was felt acutely, as the Cougars struggled to find scoring options beyond Dybantsa. The team's late-season collapse, losing 11 of their final 18 games, raised concerns about their preparedness for the tournament.
What's Next for Texas
With this victory, Texas advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face either the No. 3 Gonzaga Bulldogs or the No. 14 Kennesaw State Owls. The Longhorns will look to build on their momentum from this upset as they continue their tournament journey.
BYU, on the other hand, concludes its season with a record of 23-12, leaving fans to ponder what could have been had they maintained their early-season form.
