BYU vs. Arizona: A Rematch Forged in Adversity

Last year’s clash between BYU and Arizona in Tucson remains etched in the memories of fans from both sides. A hard-fought contest saw BYU hold Arizona to a single field goal in the final four minutes, culminating in a dramatic 96-95 victory sealed by clutch free throws. However, the hero of that night, Richie Saunders, will be sidelined for Wednesday’s rematch at McKale Center due to a season-ending ACL tear.

A Coach’s Perspective on Loss and Resilience

BYU coach Kevin Young expressed his gratitude for Saunders, stating, “I’ll forever be grateful for Richie. He embodies everything great about a college basketball player.” Young also noted the outpouring of support from across the league, highlighting Saunders’ impact.

Despite the setback, Young embraces a challenge. “I think I do better in situations like this, with a back-against-the-wall mentality,” he said. “I’m as energized as I’ve ever been, and I’m taking this challenge head-on.” He emphasized Saunders’ dedication and work ethic, calling him a “BYU legend.”

Navigating a Tough Schedule Without a Key Player

The timing of Saunders’ injury couldn’t be worse. BYU faces a daunting schedule, including a trip to No. 4 Arizona and a home game against No. 6 Iowa State. This challenging stretch has led some to lower expectations for the Cougars’ NCAA Tournament prospects. However, Young welcomes the doubt.

“I know a lot of people are writing us off, and I’m kind of relishing in that,” Young admitted. “Our guys will rely on each other and band together. I’m excited to see what this iteration of the team looks like.”

Arizona’s Own Challenges

BYU isn’t the only team facing adversity. Arizona, after a perfect 23-0 start, has suffered back-to-back losses. Freshman forward Koa Peat is sidelined with a lower-body injury, and wing Dwayne Aristode will miss Wednesday’s game due to illness, leaving the Wildcats with a limited rotation of just six players.

Despite these absences, Young respects Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd’s consistency. “One thing I respect about Tommy Lloyd is he’s going to do what he does, and you’re going to have to stop it,” Young stated. He emphasized the need for BYU to focus on its own game and not get caught up in Arizona’s strategy.

The Rise of Wright and Dybantsa

BYU will look to its dynamic duo, Rob Wright III and AJ Dybantsa, to step up in Saunders’ absence. Wright is averaging 34.5 points in his last two games, while Dybantsa leads the country in scoring. Young believes they are ready to shoulder a heavier workload.

“We’re going to need him to be a play finisher in conjunction with being a playmaker,” Young said of Wright. He also highlighted the importance of Dybantsa and Wright spacing the floor and creating opportunities.

The Importance of Three-Point Shooting

In their previous encounter, BYU shot 38% from three-point range, hitting 13 of 34 attempts. Deep shooting will be crucial for an upset in Tucson, alongside improved rebounding. BYU reserves Tyler Mrus, Aleksej Kostić, and Mihailo Boskovic provided a spark from beyond the arc in Saunders’ absence, and continued contributions from the bench will be vital.

Looking Ahead: Reinvention and Resilience

With its season at a crossroads, BYU must reinvent itself to overcome the loss of Saunders. Young is confident in his team’s ability to adapt and believes his past experiences, including nine years in the minor leagues, have prepared him for this challenge.

“It’s a band of brothers,” Young concluded. “I’m extremely motivated knowing that it’s not going to be easy, but nothing ever really is. I told our group yesterday, this is not new for me. I’ve been doing this for a long time, and you’ve got to figure it out.”

You can find more information about college basketball at NCAA.com.