BYU guard Rob Wright III scores 35 points in season opener
Wright led the Cougars past Ohio State with a shooting efficiency of 63 percent, while freshman Brooks Bahr provided a defensive boost from the bench.
By Julia Novak ·
BYU basketball fans expected a competitive start to the 2026 season, but Rob Wright III delivered a statistical performance that required an official correction. The Cougars defeated Ohio State on Monday night, a game in which Wright initially appeared to have scored 33 points. After a program review, officials added two more points to his total, bringing his final score to 35.
Wright shot 10 of 16 from the floor for a 63 percent efficiency. He also made four of his five three-point attempts and converted 11 of 12 free throws. His assist total reached five, and he committed only one turnover. According to Stats Perform, only five Division I players in the last 30 years have recorded 35 points, five assists, and one turnover in a season opener. Wright is the only one of those five who accomplished it against a high-major opponent.
The game was not always close for BYU. The Buckeyes held an 11-point lead midway through the first half. Wright responded by scoring 10 points in the next eight minutes, cutting the deficit to three points at halftime. In the second half, Wright scored 19 points. That total included all four of his successful three-point shots. He also set up the game-tying three-pointer by Collin Chandler early in the second half.
BYU coach Kevin Young praised Wright's composure as the primary factor in the victory. Young noted that Wright controlled the game through his free-throw shooting, playmaking, and lack of turnovers. The team scored 94 points in the contest, marking the first regular-season outing for the new roster.
Wright is the only returning starter for BYU this season. He has taken on a leadership role to help integrate the new players. Wright credited former teammate Richie Saunders for teaching him how to lead. Wright and Coach Young worked throughout the offseason to prepare the current roster. Wright described his role as showing the new players what they do not know.
Freshman Brooks Bahr also made an immediate impact in his collegiate debut. Bahr played 14 minutes and recorded two points, one rebound, and two assists. His defensive energy stood out to coaches and analysts. When Bahr was on the floor, BYU's net efficiency was plus 54.5. When he was off the floor, the team's net efficiency was minus 2.
The team shot 62 percent from the field while Bahr played. They averaged 1.68 points per possession during those minutes. Coach Young called Bahr an absolute dog and predicted that fans would fall in love with his style of play. Bahr is a recently returned missionary who was not initially expected to contribute heavily this season.
Wright said Bahr pushes him every day in practice. Wright noted that Bahr is often one of the first players in the gym. The freshman's work ethic and toughness have made it difficult for Young to leave him out of the rotation. The performance suggests Bahr will be a regular part of the lineup.
BYU's offensive balance is evident, but Wright remains the primary option. The Cougars will look to replicate this level of execution as the season progresses. The win against Ohio State establishes the team's early identity. Wright's scoring and Bahr's defense provided the foundation for the victory.
The official box score reflects the 35-point performance. The game statistics show the high volume of scoring and efficiency. BYU has started the season with a strong showing. The next step is maintaining this consistency against upcoming opponents. The team has shown it can score in volume and defend with intensity.
