No. 25 BYU overcame an early double-digit deficit to defeat Ohio State 94-83 on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, in the Bad Boy Mowers Classic at the Delta Center. Robert Wright III scored a game-high 33 points to lead the Cougars to the victory, marking the team's eighth straight season opener win.
Wright III, a preseason All-American, scored 19 of his 33 points in the second half. He finished the game shooting 9 of 15 from the field, 4 of 5 from 3-point range, and 11-for-12 from the free throw line. Other contributors included Tyler Betsey, who finished with 15 points and four 3-pointers, and newcomer Collin Chandler, who added 15 points including a dunk in crunch time.
The victory marked the first time five Cougars scored 10 or more points in a single game since Dec. 3, 2025, against Cal Baptist. Jaxson Kohler and Bruce Branch III both finished in double figures with 11 and 12 points, respectively. After trailing by as much as 11 points in the first half, BYU outscored the Buckeyes 60-46 in the second half, shooting 69.0 percent from the field and 86.7 percent from the free throw line.
Head coach Kevin Young remained perfect in season debuts as the head coach of the Cougars and notched his 50th career win. Young noted that while the team struggled in the first half, they successfully played to their identity to hang 60 points in a half against a high-caliber opponent.
The Cougars are scheduled to return to Provo for their home opener against Omaha on Friday, Nov. 6, at the Marriott Center. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. MT.
