Imagine a freshman phenom dropping 30 points in his very first college basketball outing—only to come up just short in a nail-biting, one-point exhibition loss. That’s exactly what happened when AJ Dybantsa took the court for BYU in their opener against Nebraska, and it’s a story that’s as thrilling as it is thought-provoking. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it Dybantsa’s stellar debut that stole the show, or Nebraska’s scorching three-point shooting that sealed the deal? Let’s dive in.
In Provo, all eyes were on Dybantsa, the highly touted recruit making his unofficial college debut. And he did not disappoint. With 30 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block, he lived up to the hype—and then some. But while Dybantsa was a one-man highlight reel, BYU’s defense left much to be desired. Nebraska’s Rienk Mast and Connor Essegian combined for 51 points, leading the Huskers to a 90-89 victory at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mast, a 6-foot-10 senior transfer from Bradley, was particularly unstoppable, sinking seven three-pointers en route to 31 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
And this is the part most people miss: Nebraska, a team predicted to finish near the bottom of the Big Ten, outdueled a BYU squad picked second in the Big 12. Price Sandfort added 12 points for the Huskers, while Khadim Mboup (12 points, 11 rebounds) and Richie Saunders (11 points) kept BYU competitive. But the real story was the three-point line. Nebraska went 16-of-34 from deep, while BYU managed a respectable 7-of-14 in the second half. That disparity proved to be the difference.
BYU’s starting lineup featured a mix of familiar faces and newcomers, including Baylor transfer Rob Wright III and Southern Illinois transfer Kennard 'Moo' Davis Jr. Dybantsa’s early performance was as advertised, scoring 13 points in his first 13 minutes. Yet, Mast’s five first-half three-pointers kept Nebraska ahead, leading by as many as six points late in the half. Dybantsa’s pair of threes to close the half, coupled with Wright’s eight points and five assists, helped BYU take a 50-46 lead into the break.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Despite Dybantsa’s heroics, he wasn’t satisfied. 'Any time we lose, I set myself to a high standard,' he said. 'We’ve got to win for me to feel like it was a good game.' His humility and drive are undeniable, but it raises the question: Can a single player carry a team to victory, or is defense the true game-changer? Nebraska’s second-half surge, fueled by 7-of-14 three-pointers, suggests the latter.
BYU coach Kevin Young saw the loss as a learning opportunity. 'We want to test ourselves,' he said, acknowledging the tough schedule ahead. Nebraska’s Fred Hoiberg echoed the sentiment, praising his team’s resilience. Dybantsa even tipped his hat to Mast, saying, 'I would draft him first, too.' But as BYU heads home to face No. 25 North Carolina in their next exhibition, one question lingers: Can they shore up their defense in time for the season opener against Villanova?
Now, here’s the controversial take: While Dybantsa’s debut was impressive, Nebraska’s win highlights the importance of team balance over individual brilliance. Do you agree, or is Dybantsa’s performance enough to prove he’s the real deal? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
