BYU Defeats Kansas State in Close Contest
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 1:30 PM ET · Bramlage Coliseum
BYU Cougars 83, Kansas State Wildcats 73, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won BYU Cougars vs Kansas State Wildcats?
BYU Cougars beat Kansas State Wildcats 83-73 at Bramlage Coliseum on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in BYU Cougars vs Kansas State Wildcats?
BYU Cougars were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -340 (about 77% implied). The favorite won.
The BYU Cougars secured a solid victory against the Kansas State Wildcats, finishing the game with a score of 83 to 73 at Bramlage Coliseum. This matchup showcased the Cougars' impressive form, extending their winning streak to nine games, while the Wildcats aimed to build on their recent success. The Cougars entered the game with an away record of 13-1, while the Wildcats held a home record of 9-5.
In the last ten games, Kansas State had a record of 6-4, with a current winning streak of four games. They averaged 86.0 points scored and allowed 77.8 points per game during this stretch. Their last five games saw them score an average of 91.6 points while allowing 72.8 points. In contrast, BYU dominated with a record of 9-1 over their last ten games, averaging 88.2 points scored and allowing 67.9 points. Their last five games reflected a strong performance, with an average of 90.8 points scored and only 64.4 points allowed.
The game was marked by key scoring plays, including a notable 25-foot three-pointer by Abdi Bashir Jr. during the second half, which helped BYU maintain their lead. The Cougars were able to effectively manage the game in the closing moments, with contributions from players like Khamari McGriff and Robert Wright III, who added crucial points from the free-throw line.
The previous meeting between these two teams took place on February 16, 2025, where BYU also emerged victorious, winning 80-65. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup, as Kansas State sought to avenge their earlier loss.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any players affected, so both teams appeared to be at full strength for this contest. The conditions in Bramlage Coliseum were conducive to a competitive game, with a lively atmosphere supporting the home team.
The betting market reflected BYU's strong performance, as DraftKings set the odds with BYU favored by 7.5 points. The total points for the game were set at 174.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair, which was consistent with both teams' recent scoring averages.
Overall, viewers were treated to a competitive game, with BYU demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure and maintain control against a determined Kansas State team.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BYU -7.5 | 174.5 o -110 / u -110 | BYU Cougars -340 · Kansas State Wildcats +270 |
Leaders
- PointsP.J. Haggerty24Kansas State Wildcats
- AssistsP.J. Haggerty6Kansas State Wildcats
- ReboundsKhamari McGriff8Kansas State Wildcats
- PointsAJ Dybantsa24BYU Cougars
- AssistsRobert Wright III5BYU Cougars
- ReboundsKeba Keita16BYU Cougars
Recent form
Kansas State Wildcats
Last 10: 6-4Streak W486 scored · 77.8 allowed per game5-2 at home
- W94-85vs UL Monroe WarhawksDec 28
- W106-76vs South Dakota CoyotesDec 20
- W83-76at Creighton BluejaysDec 13
- W108-49vs Mississippi Valley State Delta DevilsDec 9
- L67-78vs Seton Hall PiratesDec 6
- L66-82vs Bowling Green FalconsDec 2
- L69-86at Indiana HoosiersNov 26
- L85-86at Nebraska CornhuskersNov 22
- W98-77vs Mississippi State BulldogsNov 21
- W84-83vs Tulsa Golden HurricaneNov 18
BYU Cougars
Last 10: 9-1Streak W988.2 scored · 67.9 allowed per game2-1 away
- W109-81vs Eastern Washington EaglesDec 23
- W85-67vs Abilene Christian WildcatsDec 20
- W93-57vs Pacific TigersDec 17
- W100-53vs UC Riverside HighlandersDec 14
- W67-64vs Clemson TigersDec 9
- W91-60vs California Baptist LancersDec 4
- W83-79at Dayton FlyersNov 29
- W72-62at Miami HurricanesNov 27
- W98-70vs Wisconsin BadgersNov 21
- L84-86at UConn HuskiesNov 16
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 36-3 | - | 16-2 |
| Houston | 30-7 | 2 | 14-4 |
| Iowa State | 29-8 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Kansas | 24-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Texas Tech | 23-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| TCU | 23-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| BYU | 23-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| UCF | 21-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| West Virginia | 21-14 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Cincinnati | 18-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Colorado | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Arizona State | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma State | 20-15 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Baylor | 17-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Kansas State | 12-20 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Utah | 10-22 | 14 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | BYU Cougars | Kansas State Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-63 | 28-67 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 9-24 | 3-21 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 14 |
| Free throws | 18-27 | 14-19 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 47 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 16 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 24 |
| Assists | 17 | 15 |
| Steals | 9 | 12 |
| Blocks | 6 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 19 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 48 |
| Fouls | 16 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 85 | 9 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half50-43C.J. Jones makes 7-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half51-43AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-43AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-45David Castillo makes layup (Khamari McGriff assists)
- 2nd Half54-45Abdullah Ahmed makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Richie Saunders assists)
- 2nd Half54-47P.J. Haggerty makes driving layup (Nate Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half56-47Abdullah Ahmed makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half56-49David Castillo makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-49Robert Wright III makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half59-49Kennard Davis Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-50David Castillo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-50Keba Keita makes layup (AJ Dybantsa assists)
- 2nd Half61-52Taj Manning makes layup (Dorin Buca assists)
- 2nd Half63-52Robert Wright III makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-54Taj Manning makes layup (P.J. Haggerty assists)
- 2nd Half66-54Mihailo Bošković makes 24-foot three point jumper (Robert Wright III assists)
- 2nd Half66-56David Castillo makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-56AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-58Khamari McGriff makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half69-58AJ Dybantsa makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half70-58AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half70-59Khamari McGriff makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-60Khamari McGriff makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-60Keba Keita makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-62Khamari McGriff makes layup (P.J. Haggerty assists)
- 2nd Half73-62AJ Dybantsa makes driving layup
- 2nd Half73-64Khamari McGriff makes 1-foot dunk (P.J. Haggerty assists)
- 2nd Half74-64Robert Wright III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-65P.J. Haggerty makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-66P.J. Haggerty makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-66AJ Dybantsa makes driving layup (Richie Saunders assists)
- 2nd Half78-66Richie Saunders makes driving layup (Robert Wright III assists)
- 2nd Half78-69Abdi Bashir Jr. makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half78-71Khamari McGriff makes layup (Abdi Bashir Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half79-71Keba Keita makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-71Keba Keita makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-71Robert Wright III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-71Robert Wright III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-73P.J. Haggerty makes driving layup
- 2nd Half83-73Robert Wright III makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Kansas State Wildcats, below favours BYU Cougars.
Venue
- Bramlage ColiseumManhattan, KS
- Attendance11010
- OfficialsDoug Sirmons, Chris Merlo, Keith Patterson
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond