BYU Basketball Injury & Availability Report Ahead of UCF Clash
BYU Basketball’s health headline is front and center as the Cougars prep for their Feb. 24, 2026, Big 12 clash with UCF at the Marriott Center. Second‑leading scorer Richie Saunders is out for the season with a torn ACL, forcing others into bigger roles. The stakes are massive. Stay locked in.
Cougar Health Report Card: Who Is In and Who’s Out?
BYU Basketball enters the Feb. 24, 2026, showdown with UCF with mixed availability and a resilient attitude. Second‑leading scorer Richie Saunders is out for the season with a torn ACL, a loss that reshaped the Cougars’ rotation. Saunders averaged 18.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game before the injury. BYU’s offense now leans heavily on its stars and depth players stepping up in his absence.
Who’s Leading the Charge?
- AJ Dybantsa: BYU’s main engine with 24.9 PPG, 6.7 RPG, and 4.0 APG this season.
- Robert Wright III: Consistent scoring and playmaking.
- Kennard Davis Jr.: Provides key scoring off the bench.
- Mihailo Boskovic: Time increases with Saunders out.
Coach Kevin Young pressed on the group’s readiness and confidence in filling gaps left by injuries ahead of UCF, highlighting the next‑man‑up mentality.
How Has BYU Played Without Saunders?
The Cougars rallied for a 79‑69 upset over No. 6 Iowa State on Feb. 22, 2026, powered by a near triple‑double from Dybantsa (29 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists). Kennard Davis and Boskovic also made key contributions.
Earlier in the week, BYU dropped a 75‑65 game at No. 4 Arizona, showing fight despite missing Saunders and struggling shooting efficiency.
UCF Availability Snapshot
UCF enters with its own availability questions. Senior scorer Riley Kugel is day‑to‑day after a late‑game injury, and reserve guard Carmelo Pacheco was questionable but offered bench scoring.
Knights coach Johnny Dawkins noted Kugel’s uncertain status. If out, UCF will lean more on Themus Fulks and others to pick up scoring slack.
Matchup Impact: What to Watch?
- Pace & Scoring Distribution: BYU’s success hinges on Dybantsa’s efficiency and bench scoring consistency.
- Defensive Matchups: Without Saunders, BYU’s perimeter defense will be tested by UCF’s guards.
Final Thoughts
Health and depth define this clash. BYU Basketball’s ability to spread scoring and maintain defensive intensity without a key scorer will be a pivotal storyline against a UCF team managing its own injury uncertainty. Expect a gritty battle where availability and adaptability tilt the scales.
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