BYU roared back from a 22-point halftime deficit to beat Clemson 67-64 in the Jimmy V Classic, with AJ Dybantsa delivering a season-high 28 points in the second half and Robert Wright IIIisson hitting the go-ahead three at the buzzer.

Dybantsa’s performance underscores his impact as a freshman, helping BYU improve to 8-1 on the season after a near-miss against No. 5 UConn earlier.

Keba Keita added 10 points with four dunks, including a rim-shattering slam that sparked a roughly 20-minute delay late in the first half as BYU trailed by nine.

The night’s action showcased standout performances from both men’s and women’s programs, highlighting freshman breakout moments, seasoned scorers, and implications for rankings and NET metrics.

ACC schedule notes: Notre Dame hosts Iowa, Liberty faces NC State, and Boston College meets UMass, with ACC Network coverage lined up.

BYU coach Kevin Young lauded Dybantsa’s processing ability and multi-positional impact, while acknowledging the team’s need for sustained focus against elite opponents.

Dybantsa’s breakout on a national stage drew comparisons to iconic MSG debuts, signaling his rising profile in college basketball.

Dybantsa is widely viewed as a top NBA Draft prospect for 2026, with preseason chatter and mock drafts placing him among the top picks; he has publicly voiced confidence about his stock.

As the season unfolds, Dybantsa’s performance continues to draw attention as he defies high expectations and vaults into early mock-draft discussions.

Social media reaction to BYU’s win has been buoyant, with praise from broadcasters, analysts, and major outlets highlighting the upset and BYU’s resilience.

The win is part of a broader early-season stretch for BYU, which featured limited true home dates and a forthcoming conference slate starting in January.

The upset victory adds to BYU’s growing profile in a talented freshman class, fueling optimism for the Cougars’ ceiling this season.