Payback in the Desert? BYU Expert Breaks Down Arizona Clash and Predicts the Score Arizona fans don’t forget losses easily—especially

Payback in the Desert? BYU Expert Breaks Down Arizona Clash and Predicts the Score
Arizona fans don’t forget losses easily—especially ones that sting at McKale Center. BYU knows that all too well. Last February, the Cougars walked out of Tucson with a controversial win decided by a late foul call, a result that still lingers as the teams prepare to meet again Monday night.
While the head coach remains the same in Kevin Young, the BYU squad Arizona will face looks nothing like last season’s version. The biggest difference is the arrival of AJ Dybantsa, the 6-foot-9 freshman phenom and projected No. 1 NBA draft pick, but the transformation goes much deeper than one star.
Coming off a rivalry win over Utah, No. 13 BYU sits at 17–2 overall and 5–1 in Big 12 play, its best start since the Jimmer Fredette era. To get a clearer picture of what’s driving the surge, AZ Desert Swarm turned to Robby McCombs of SB Nation’s Vanquish the Foe for insight.
According to McCombs, the leap from last season starts with elite talent and a noticeable defensive upgrade. Dybantsa, Rob Wright, and Richie Saunders form one of the most dangerous offensive trios in the country, capable of scoring at all three levels. Behind them, Keba Keita anchors the interior as both a rim protector and a reliable lob target, giving BYU balance on both ends of the floor.
Defense has also been a key separator. BYU challenged itself with a strong non-conference schedule and responded with improved effort and versatility. Dybantsa, while known for his offense, has made an impact defensively with his 7-foot-1 wingspan, disrupting guards and passing lanes. McCombs notes that while there has been some defensive slippage in recent games, the overall trajectory remains positive.
As for Dybantsa himself, McCombs describes him as a dynamic, modern forward—explosive, skilled, and confident. He’s not flawless, and Arizona may look to test his decision-making and force others to beat them, but his upside is undeniable and already reshaping BYU’s ceiling.
Score prediction: Expect a tight, high-energy battle in Tucson, but McCombs gives BYU a narrow edge—Cougars 78, Wildcats 75—setting the stage for another chapter in a quietly brewing rivalry.