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Analysis: No. 23 BYU finally earns a signature win with convincing upset of No. 6 Iowa State

BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) grabs his own rebound against Iowa State during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

All season long, BYU had come up short against elite opponents.

There was a 2-point heartbreaker against UConn back in November. Two setbacks against Arizona came by a combined 10 points. A late collapse at Texas Tech resulted in a loss, Houston beat the Cougars in their own building and Kansas thwarted what could have been an epic comeback at Allen Fieldhouse.

It had become the most disappointing and frustrating of trends. Every time BYU had the opportunity to capture a marquee win for its résumé, the Cougars couldn’t seal the deal.

Until Saturday night, that is.

After beginning the year 0-6 against top 15-ranked squads, BYU finally broke through — and left no doubt — for a 79-69 upset of No. 6 Iowa State, treating the sold-out Marriott Center crowd to the arena’s most electric night of the Kevin Young era thus far.

“We’ve been neck-and-neck with top five teams,” BYU star AJ Dybantsa said. “... We knew we were right there and it was just a matter of time where we collectively brought it together and got a dub.

“... I mean beating a top-6 team, it’s definitely a statement win. They’re obviously one of the better teams in our league. I think this can be the blueprint going forward.”

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BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) drives the ball between Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson, right, and guard Nate Heise during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) reacts after a foul was called on him during an NCAA basketball game against Iowa State held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Ronald A. Rasband, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, looks to high-five BYU President C. Shane Reese after a play against Iowa State during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward Mihailo Boskovic (5) celebrates his 3-pointer against Iowa State during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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A BYU fan holds up a sign during an NCAA basketball game against Iowa State held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU guard Richie Saunders claps for his teammates from the bench during an NCAA basketball game against Iowa State held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU guard Richie Saunders, right, hugs center Keba Keita (13) as Keita wears a headband honoring Saunders, who recently tore his ACL in a previous game, after BYU defeated Iowa State 79-69 in an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU guard Aleksej Kostić (6) drives the ball to the basket while guarded by Iowa State forward Blake Buchanan, left, during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU guard Richie Saunders, left, who recently tore his ACL in a previous game, talks with Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith after BYU defeated Iowa State 79-69 in an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) hangs on the rim after dunking the ball against Iowa State during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) is helped up by Nick Greer after a play against Iowa State during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) calls out to his teammates as he’s guarded by Iowa State guard Killyan Toure (27) during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU guard Kennard Davis Jr. (30) is tended to by coaches as he walks off the floor during an NCAA basketball game against Iowa State held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU guard Kennard Davis Jr. (30) goes up for a shot while guarded by Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic, right, during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward Khadim Mboup (7) guards Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson (5) during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward Mihailo Boskovic (5) guards Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson (5) during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU head coach Kevin Young talks with a referee during an NCAA basketball game against Iowa State held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU guard Robert Wright III (1) chases down the ball after it got loose from an Iowa State player during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) slaps hands with guard Robert Wright III (1) between plays against Iowa State during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU center Keba Keita (13) takes a foul shot during an NCAA basketball game against Iowa State held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) dunks the ball on a fast break during an NCAA basketball game against Iowa State held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU head coach Kevin Young talks with guard Robert Wright III (1) at the end of a timeout during an NCAA basketball game against Iowa State held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU guard Richie Saunders, center, watches a play unfold from the bench during an NCAA basketball game against Iowa State held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU fans react after an Iowa State player hit a 3-pointer during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU head coach Kevin Young calls out to his players during an NCAA basketball game against Iowa State held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU guard Kennard Davis Jr. (30) reacts after dunking the ball against Iowa State during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU head coach Kevin Young calls out to his players during an NCAA basketball game against Iowa State held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU guard Robert Wright III (1) guards Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson (5) during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward Khadim Mboup (7) dunks the ball against Iowa State during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward Mihailo Boskovic (5) looks to rebound a foul shot from one of his teammates between Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic, left, and guard Nate Heise, right, during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU center Keba Keita (13) wears a headband honoring guard Richie Saunders (15), who recently tore his ACL in a previous game, during an NCAA basketball game against Iowa State held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward Mihailo Boskovic (5) high-fives fans after BYU defeated Iowa State 79-69 in an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU guard Kennard Davis Jr. (30) dunks the ball against Iowa State during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU head coach Kevin Young celebrates with fans after BYU defeated Iowa State 79-69 in an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU head coach Kevin Young talks with guard Robert Wright III (1) at the end of a timeout during an NCAA basketball game against Iowa State held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) drives the ball toward the basket while guarded by Iowa State guard Jamarion Batemon (1) during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU center Keba Keita (13) dunks the ball on a fast break against Iowa State during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU fans celebrate after an Iowa State player missed a foul shot during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) takes a foul shot during an NCAA basketball game against Iowa State held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU center Keba Keita (13) dunks the ball past Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson (5) during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) shoots the ball while guarded by Iowa State forward Blake Buchanan (23) during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) grabs his own rebound against Iowa State during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) goes up for a shot against Iowa State during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward Mihailo Boskovic (5) takes and makes a 3-pointer against Iowa State during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU guard Kennard Davis Jr. (30) goes up for a shot while guarded by Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic (22) during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger calls out to his players during an NCAA basketball game against BYU held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) talks with his teammates as they huddle between plays during an NCAA basketball game against Iowa State held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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BYU forward Mihailo Boskovic (5) dunks the ball past Iowa State forward Blake Buchanan (23) during an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU played inspired basketball, nearly doubling Iowa State’s paint points (40 to 22) and winning the rebound battle by a 39-28 margin, including 12 offensive boards for 10 second chance points.

The Cougars outworked and out-hustled Iowa State with the kind of fight you’d expect from a team desperate to change its narrative, finally topple a giant and prove it belongs in the conversation of college basketball’s best.

Six previous losses to top 15 teams didn’t dampen BYU’s drive. “Pounding the rock,” as Young put it after falling to Arizona earlier this week, finally paid off.

“I think it just says a lot about the guys in the locker room,” Young told reporters postgame. “You know, no one’s really batting an eye. They understand that we’ve faced a lot of adversity and no one’s blinked, honestly. They’ve stayed together and they’ve kept working ... I think our guys, if anything, have actually gotten more confident.”

Speaking of confidence — this writer can confidently say Dybantsa turned in his finest performance to date in the upset effort. BYU’s freshman phenom played all 40 minutes, scoring 29 points on 10 of 17 shooting with 10 rebounds, nine assists, a block and a steal.

“That was unbelievable. AJ can do whatever he wants on the basketball court,” Young said. “Whatever he puts his mind to, he can do. The guy is an absolute stud, and I think he’s showing people night in and night out how reliable he is.”

But most impressive in Dybantsa’s night was his defensive excellence, drawing the assignment of guarding Iowa State’s leading scorer Milan Momcilovic and limiting the 51% 3-point shooter to just five points on 1 of 5 shooting.

“What I liked about tonight was he did it on both ends of the floor, and it’s something I’ve challenged him with from the second I met the young man,” Young said of Dybantsa. “Really, really proud of his complete game. I thought it was his most complete game of the season.”

Dybantsa’s heroics were joined by breakout performances from Kennard Davis Jr. and Mihailo Boskovic, who combined for 30 points, nine rebounds and five made 3-pointers to replace Richie Saunders’ lost production.

“I think there’s a lot to be said about opportunity and confidence. Those guys understand that now that Richie is out, their numbers are going to get called more,” Young said. “... I think it’s a little bit easier to get into a rhythm when you have that mindset, but at the same time, they get all the credit because they’ve stayed ready and they’ve been able to deliver.”

The Cougars avoided stumbling into another slow start, making eight of their first 14 shots and setting the tone intensity-wise from the jump.

After Iowa State took a 1-point lead with 6:34 remaining in the first half, BYU proceeded to rip off a 13-0 run, holding the Cyclones scoreless for nearly six minutes. The Cougars would never trail again.

“Our defense has been a little up and down, you know, so I thought our defense allowed us to get out in transition,” Young said. “Their half court defense is as good as it gets in the country, right? So we wanted to open the game up as best that we could, and it’s hard to do that if you’re not getting stops and rebounds.”

Though Iowa State clawed back to within three points in the second half, the Cougars rose to the occasion once again by holding the Cyclones without a made field goal for more than four and a half minutes, with the subsequent 13-3 stretch putting the game out of reach and securing the 10-point victory.

As a whole, BYU shot 50% from the field and averaged 1.25 points per possession against the Cyclones’ top 10 defense.

The Cougars made just 28% of their 3-pointers, but their dominance in the paint and on the glass made up for such unremarkable deep shooting, along with their 14 fast break points and 13 points from turnovers.

Keba Keita scored nine points with six rebounds, a block and three steals, while recent riser Khadim Mboup came off the bench to grab 10 boards — including nine in the first half — with five points and tremendous defense.

“Khadim’s a warrior, man, and he’s got a knack for rebounding,” Young said. “He’s an unbelievable rebounder, he just has a nose for the ball. He’s a highly, highly competitive young man. You can’t put a stat on energy and how it permeates to the group.”

While Rob Wright III scored just six points on 2 of 8 shooting, he dished out four assists, swiped three steals and only turned the ball over once against one of the best turnover-generating teams in the country.

Likewise, Dybantsa coughed up just two turnovers compared to his nine assists.

“They both played 40 minutes each against a team who has the highest turnover percentage defensively in the country, and they had 13 assists and three turnovers,” Young said of Wright and Dybantsa’s efficiency. “I mean, that and the rebounds is why we won the game, bottom line.”

BYU also got plenty of help from its home crowd, as the Marriott Center was the most raucous it’s been since the Cougars’ famed Gonzaga win back in 2020.

Prior to Saturday, all of BYU’s highest points of the season had come outside of Provo in the likes of Madison Square Garden, Walt Disney World and the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

Thus, the fact that the much-needed signature victory came in a home environment meant a great deal to everyone involved, but especially Young.

“I’m not going to lie, it’s been a long couple weeks, you know, trying to keep the boys in the boat and trying to keep everybody focused on the task at hand,” Young said.

“... I have to say, the ROC is special. That was the loudest I’ve personally ever heard this building, it was unbelievable. (The fans) do so much for our guys.

“... I know I’m the head coach here, but at the end of the day, I’m a fan of basketball. I love basketball and I love the passion that surrounds it, and I don’t know if you’ll find a more passionate fan base than BYU. They helped carry us to a huge win.”

BYU head coach Kevin Young celebrates with fans after BYU defeated Iowa State 79-69 in an NCAA basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Aside from the win, however, BYU earned something even more valuable against Iowa State: belief.

“It’s so powerful when a group believes in themselves,” Young said. “I try to pour that belief into them the best that I can. And look, we have toughness, we have rebounding, we take care of the ball. You know, shot making is going to be probably the thing that ultimately makes or breaks us, but then you have dynamic guys like like AJ and Rob. So when you have all that stuff, then you’ve got a chance to beat anybody in the country.

“(Iowa State) is really good. I think they’re they’re a Final Four caliber team along with other teams that we’ve been right there with. I’m excited to see our guys’ confidence level and how that builds.

“I know every year is different, obviously, but towards the end of last year, we we hit our stride kind of at the right time. You’re hopeful that you can kind of do the same thing this year with this group.”

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