BYU’s Rob Wright III Ignites 94-83 Win Over Ohio State

Key points

• Rob Wright III scored 33 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-5 from three-point range, with five assists and one turnover.
• BYU trailed by 11 points at halftime but outscored Ohio State 60-46 in the second half, shooting 69% from the field.
• All five starters scored in double figures, with Tyler Betsey and Collin Chandler adding 15 points each.
• Head coach Kevin Young noted the team’s offensive identity and praised the second-half adjustment, reaching his 50th career win.
• BYU’s defense struggled with rim protection, allowing 46 points in the second half, but showed improved aggression compared to last season.

Background

BYU entered the 2026-27 season as a top-25 team, with expectations for offensive improvement after a previous season where Rob Wright III played a supporting role. The team had added Jaxon Kohler and other key players, aiming to build a dynamic offense. Earlier coverage highlighted BYU as a strong contender in the Big 12, with analysts noting their roster depth and potential for a deep NCAA Tournament run.

How outlets are covering it

Busting Brackets emphasized Wright’s efficiency and ball security as key to BYU’s offensive potential, while KSL Sports highlighted the team’s scrappy defensive effort and the significance of the win against a talented Ohio State squad. BYU Athletics focused on the statistical details of the second-half surge and the team’s shooting percentages. Vanquish The Foe noted the elite spacing of BYU’s starting five but raised concerns about rim protection, suggesting that BYU’s success would depend on balancing an elite offense with adequate defense. All sources agreed on the impact of Wright’s performance but differed in their assessment of the team’s defensive capabilities and long-term potential.

Why it matters

The victory signals that BYU’s offensive system is working effectively, with Wright emerging as a potential All-American. The team’s ability to overcome a significant deficit and execute under pressure suggests they can compete at a high level in the Big 12. However, defensive questions remain, particularly regarding rim protection, which could limit their success against physical opponents. The win also positions BYU as a potential Quad 1 team, with implications for their NCAA Tournament seeding.

What to watch

BYU will face Omaha in their home opener on November 6 at the Marriott Center. The team will continue to test its offensive and defensive systems against Big 12 competition, with a focus on improving defensive consistency and maintaining offensive efficiency.