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Robert Wright III Scores 33 as No. 25 BYU Defeats Ohio State 94-83 in Season Opener
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- Robert Wright III Scores 33 as No. 25 BYU Defeats Ohio State 94-83 in Season Opener
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Rob Wright Ill opened his season with a bang, scoring 33 points to lead the No. 25 BYU Cougars to a 94-83 win over the Ohio State Buckeyes on Monday night at the Delta Center. The preseason All-American shot 60 percent from the field, including 4 of 5 from 3-point range, and added five assists with just one turnover.
The Cougars (1-0) rallied from an early deficit to secure the season-opening non-conference victory. BYU overcame a sluggish start offensively after making just three of its first 13 field goal attempts, including only a single three-pointer.
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The Buckeyes (0-1) maintained their lead for much of the first half, taking a 37-34 halftime lead. They built an early 22-11 advantage behind strong shooting from Amare Bynum. The trio of Bynum, John Mobley and Justin Pippen each scored eight points for OSU in the first half.
Wright led BYU with 14 first-half points, while Tyler Betsey added eight of his own. After falling behind, Kevin Young's team had to stage a comeback. The Cougars wasted little time taking control after the break, opening the second half with a 7-0 run to grab a 41-37 lead. Wright continued attacking the basket, reaching 20 points with 16 minutes remaining.
Ohio State responded behind Bynum, who knocked down a 3-pointer and added a transition dunk to help keep the Buckeyes within striking distance. Pippen later tied the game at 52, and the teams continued trading baskets.
With the score tied at 59, BYU delivered the knockout blow, going on a 13-2 run to take a 72-61 lead with just over seven minutes remaining. Ohio State struggled to regain momentum as Mobley fouled out with five minutes left. Pippen also exited.
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BYU maintained the lead down the stretch with a solid effort from Collin Chandler. The Kentucky transfer finished with 15 points, matching Betsey's total to go along with six rebounds. Bruce Branch Ill added 12 points, while Jaxon Kohler contributed 11 points and six rebounds of his own.
What's impressive is that BYU shot 69 percent from the field. They also found its rhythm from long distance, making seven 3-pointers in the second half.
Bynum led Ohio State with 20 points, while Mobley scored 14 and Andrija Jelavic added 13. Although BYU's defense showed room for improvement, Young said they were "more good than bad" on that end of the floor. They held the Buckeyes to 9 of 28 (32%) from beyond the arc.
Wright's night offered a glimpse of his potential as one of the nation's top players. He'll be called upon to be BYU's floor general this season.
The Cougars have a few days off before facing Omaha on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
