Basketball in Provo is different this year. If you’re looking for the BYU game score today, the reality is that the No. 11 Cougars are currently preparing to host TCU at the Marriott Center tonight, Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM MST (9:00 PM CST). This isn't just another mid-week conference game; it’s a collision between a BYU squad on a 12-game tear and a Horned Frogs team desperate to stop a slide.
Honestly, the "score" everyone is still buzzing about isn't from today yet—it’s the 89-84 thriller from Saturday night where BYU silenced a hostile Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City. That win over Utah wasn't just a rivalry victory. It was a statement.
The Marriott Center Factor and Tonight’s Odds
BYU enters tonight’s matchup with a 15-1 overall record. Their only blemish? A two-point heartbreaker against UConn way back in November. Since then, Kevin Young has turned this roster into a high-octane machine that leads the Big 12 in several offensive categories.
TCU is coming in at 11-5, having dropped two straight to ranked opponents (Kansas and Arizona). Vegas has the Cougars as a 12.5-point favorite. That feels like a lot for a Big 12 game, but considering BYU is 7-0 at home and averaging over 90 points in their last ten outings, the math starts to make sense.
Key Stats for the TCU Matchup
- BYU Scoring Average: 90.4 PPG (Last 10 games)
- TCU Defensive Efficiency: Allowing 42.6% FG shooting
- BYU Field Goal Percentage: 51.6% (Top tier nationally)
The mismatch is kinda glaring when you look at the perimeter. BYU makes about 50% of its shots from the field. TCU’s defense is respectable, but they haven't seen a backcourt this deep in a few weeks. Richie Saunders is playing like a man possessed, recently picking up Big 12 Player of the Week honors after dropping 31 on Arizona State and 24 on the Utes.
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AJ Dybantsa and the Freshman Surge
You can't talk about the BYU game score today without mentioning AJ Dybantsa. He’s the consensus No. 1 recruit for a reason. Most freshmen hit a wall in January when conference play gets physical. AJ? He’s cleared the wall and is currently doing windprints on the other side.
He has scored 20+ points in nine straight games. That’s absurd.
What makes him dangerous isn't just the scoring; it's the 7.1 rebounds per game. He’s active. He’s long. He’s basically a nightmare for TCU’s David Punch and Xavier Edmonds, who will have to account for him both in transition and on the glass.
Why Richie Saunders is the X-Factor
While everyone watches AJ, Richie Saunders is the one hurting teams. He’s the emotional heartbeat of the Marriott Center.
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- He drives the ball significantly better than he did in 2024.
- His 14-rebound performance against Utah showed he’s willing to do the "dirty work" of a big man despite playing guard.
- He’s shooting at a clip that forces defenders to play him tight, which opens the lane for Robert Wright III.
Looking Back: The Football Success
It’s worth noting the atmosphere in Provo is at an all-time high because the football team just wrapped up a historic season. On December 27, 2025, BYU secured its 12th win of the season by taking down Georgia Tech 25-21 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Bear Bachmeier, the freshman QB, proved he’s the future. Throwing for 325 yards in a comeback win gave the entire athletic department a massive boost of momentum heading into the meat of the basketball schedule. That "winning culture" is infectious. You see it in the way the basketball team handles late-game pressure.
What Most People Get Wrong About BYU’s Schedule
The common knock on BYU earlier in the season was that they hadn't played "anybody." Well, look at the resume now. Wins over Villanova, Wisconsin, Miami, and Clemson aren't "fluke" wins.
The Big 12 is a gauntlet. After tonight’s game against TCU, the Cougars have to go to Lubbock to face Texas Tech, then come back home for a massive showdown against No. 1 Arizona on January 26. There are no "off" nights. If BYU overlooks TCU tonight, they’ll find themselves tumbling down the standings in a hurry.
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Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're tracking the BYU game score today, keep an eye on the first five minutes of the second half. BYU has a habit of using a 10-0 or 12-2 run right after the break to put teams away. If TCU is within five points at the 15:00 mark of the second half, we might have a game. If not, expect the Marriott Center to turn into a party.
TV and Streaming:
Tonight’s game is on ESPN2. If you aren't near a TV, the BYU Radio app is the most reliable way to catch Greg Wrubell’s call.
Next Steps for Followers:
- Check the live box score at the 10-minute mark of the first half to see if Richie Saunders has already hit two triples; if he has, BYU usually wins by double digits.
- Watch the foul trouble for AJ Dybantsa. TCU’s best chance is to get him on the bench early.
- Prepare for the January 26th game against Arizona now—tickets are already ghost-inventory on most resale sites.
The Cougars are currently 3-0 in Big 12 play. A win tonight puts them in the driver's seat for a top-three seed in the conference tournament. TCU is a "trap" game, but this BYU team seems too disciplined to fall for it.