BYU Hosts Omaha for Home Opener After 94-83 Win Over Ohio State

BYU Opens Home Schedule Against Omaha

Following a high-stakes victory over Ohio State in Salt Lake City, BYU returns to the Marriott Center tonight for its home opener against Omaha. The Cougars enter the contest as significant favorites, with betting lines widening throughout the week. While BYU looks to build on the momentum of its season-opening win, the matchup offers the coaching staff a chance to evaluate the depth of their roster against an opponent currently ranked 272nd in the KenPom efficiency ratings.

The disparity between the two programs is stark. BYU holds a 99% win probability in this matchup. When the betting markets opened on Thursday, BYU was listed as a 29.5-point favorite. Within 24 hours, that figure climbed to 32.5 points, signaling a clear expectation from bettors that the Cougars will dominate the Mavericks in Provo. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MT, with the game set to be broadcast on ESPN+.

Building Momentum in the Marriott Center

BYU’s season opener on Monday at the Delta Center provided a clear look at the team’s offensive ceiling. The Cougars secured a 94-83 win over Ohio State, a result that marked their eighth consecutive season-opening victory. The game was a tale of two halves; after trailing by 11 points midway through the first period, the team surged to shoot 64.5 percent from the field in the second half. This turnaround included a blistering 63.6 percent performance from beyond the arc.

BYU Hosts Omaha for Home Opener After 94-83 Win Over Ohio State — Photo: byucougars.com

Robert Wright III anchored the effort, dropping 35 points on 10-of-16 shooting. His performance, paired with double-digit contributions from Tyler Betsey, Collin Chandler, Jaxon Kohler, and Bruce Branch III, highlighted the versatility of head coach Kevin Young’s rotation. For Young, the win represented his 50th career victory, a milestone reached in just 72 games. This achievement ties him with G. Ott Romney as the sixth-fastest coach in BYU history to reach that mark.

The home opener provides a distinct tactical opportunity for the coaching staff. With Omaha representing the second-lowest ranked team on BYU’s schedule—trailing only Weber State—the game is expected to allow for extended minutes for players further down the bench. Observers are looking to see if players like Brooks Bahr can find scoring rhythm, or if Jake Wahlin can secure necessary confidence early in the campaign. The rotation may also see increased involvement from Petar Ostojic and Dean Rueckert.

Heavens to Betsey: Tyler Betsey has opened his BYU career by making 10 of 14 triple tries (4-for-6 v. Ohio State, 6-for-8 v. Omaha). Tonight's six 3-pointers tie his single-game career high, set last season while playing for Syracuse. pic.twitter.com/otuwlZQKKH

— https://x.com/gregwrubell/status/2118956006713762271

Scouting the Mavericks

Omaha enters the game after a 73-65 win over Mid-American Christian in their own season opener. Picked to finish fourth in the eight-team Preseason Summit Poll, the Mavericks rely on a veteran backcourt. Grant Stubblefield, a Preseason All-Summit guard, returns for his fourth season with the program, averaging 9.3 points and 3.3 assists last year. The team also features North Texas transfer Cahmai Crosby, who paced Omaha with 21 points in their first outing.

The Mavericks’ frontcourt relies on size to counter opponents, starting two 6-foot-8 players. Center Isaac Ondekane, listed at 250 pounds, returns as a starter for the squad. Despite this interior presence, analysts expect Jaxon Kohler to have significant opportunities to control the paint. The primary question for spectators is not whether BYU will win, but whether the team can maintain its offensive efficiency and potentially push toward the century mark.

The stakes for BYU go beyond a single non-conference win. A successful season in Provo is measured by a return to the NCAA Tournament, which would mark the program’s third consecutive appearance under Young—a feat previously accomplished only by Roger Reid during his first three seasons as head coach. As the Cougars prepare for the challenges of a rigorous schedule, tonight’s game serves as a foundational test for depth and consistency.