No. 23 BYU defeated Queens University 98-82 on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, at the Marriott Center to secure its 28th consecutive non-conference victory and improve to 3-0 on the season. Robert Wright III led the Cougars with 21 points, while the team's 17 three-pointers marked the fifth-most in a single game in program history.
Offensive Surge and Scoring Leaders
The Cougars' offense was fueled by five players scoring in double figures for the third consecutive game. Robert Wright III recorded 21 points, four rebounds, and six assists for the third straight game. Jaxon Kohler contributed 15 points and eight rebounds, shooting 3-for-3 from three-point range. Bruce Branch III and Nate Pickens both scored 15 points, while Collin Chandler added 12 points and a career-high four steals.
BYU's efficiency was on display throughout the contest, reaching the 90-point mark for the 25th time under head coach Kevin Young. The Cougars also recorded nine steals and eight blocks, their highest block count since tallying 10 against Arizona State in January 2026. Despite the victory, the Cougars were outrevenaged in several categories, including rebounding and total assists, compared to the Royals.
Defensive Strategy and Queens Offense
The game was noted for its competitive nature, as Queens University—a team that made the NCAA Tournament last season and is projected to win the Atlantic Sun—remained competitive throughout. The Cougars' defensive strategy aimed to limit Queens' scoring in the paint, a region where the Royals typically average about 50 points per game. The plan was largely successful, as Queens was held to only 24 points in the paint.
However, Queens managed to keep the game close by making 14 three-pointers. The Royals' scoring was led by Rickey Ballard and Caleb Jones, who each recorded 18 points, and Avantae Parker, who added 16 points. Queens' leading scorers Jordan Watford and Nasir Mann combined for 15 points and 14 assists.
First Half Momentum
BYU opened the first half with high efficiency, shooting 62.5 percent from the field and making 12 of 20 three-point attempts. This performance tied for the third-most three-pointers in a single half in program history. One of the early highlights occurred on the first possession of the game when Chandler blocked a shot and transitioned into a dunk for Branch III.
By the end of the first half, BYU held a 54-42 lead. Although the Cougars had led 52-30 following a three-pointer from Pickens with 3:22 remaining in the half, Queens orchestrated a 12-2 run to end the period.
Second Half Execution
In the second half, the Cougars extended their lead to 72-53 during a 13-0 run fueled by three-point plays from Branch III and Pickens, as well as a three-pointer from Jake Wahlin. Despite a late push by Queens, which included making nine of 18 three-point attempts in the half, BYU secured the win by converting free-throw opportunities in the final minutes.
Coach Kevin Young noted that while the team did not adjust well enough to Queens' off-ball screening action, the players improved their execution of one-on-one plays as the game progressed. Young expressed satisfaction with the team's unselfish play and the ability to be tested by a high-caliber opponent.
Upcoming Schedule
The Cougars are scheduled to host Montana State on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, at 7 p.m. MST. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+, with radio coverage provided by Greg Wrubell on BYUradio.
Queens University Background
Queens University enters the season as a highly competitive non-conference opponent. The team returns four starters and is picked to win the Atlantic Sun. Prior to this matchup, the Royals had suffered a 116-68 defeat against Oklahoma State on Nov. 6, 2026, but had previously secured an upset against LMU in Los Angeles.
