West Virginia Mountaineers Defeat BYU Cougars 79-71
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 5:30 PM ET · Hope Coliseum
West Virginia Mountaineers 79, BYU Cougars 71, 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 West Virginia Mountaineers?
West Virginia Mountaineers beat BYU Cougars 79-71 at Hope Coliseum on February 28, 2026.
Who was favored in BYU Cougars vs West Virginia Mountaineers?
BYU Cougars were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -162 (about 62% implied). The underdog won.
In a compelling matchup, the West Virginia Mountaineers triumphed over the BYU Cougars with a final score of 79-71 at Hope Coliseum. This victory is particularly noteworthy as it marks West Virginia's first win against BYU, having lost both previous encounters in the 2025 season. The Mountaineers had entered the game struggling, with a recent record of 4-6 over their last ten games, and a three-game losing streak. However, they managed to reverse their fortunes in this critical contest.
West Virginia's recent form had been concerning, averaging just 63.0 points scored while allowing 67.1 points over their last ten games. Their home record stood at 1-3 in this stretch, reflecting their difficulties at home. In their last five games, they scored an average of 66.2 points while conceding 69.8 points. The Mountaineers were coming off a loss to the Oklahoma State Cowboys, where they fell 84-91, and had not secured a win since defeating the UCF Knights 74-67 on February 14.
Conversely, BYU entered the game with a slightly better record of 20-9 and a recent performance of 4-6 in their last ten games. Their scoring average was significantly higher at 83.4 points, but they also allowed an average of 85.1 points during that same stretch. The Cougars had a mixed away record of 1-3 in their last four games, with their most recent outing resulting in a loss to the UCF Knights, 84-97, on February 25. This game was critical for BYU as they looked to regain momentum after a loss, but they were unable to overcome the Mountaineers.
The game featured a competitive atmosphere, with West Virginia taking advantage of their home court. The conditions at Hope Coliseum were conducive to a spirited contest, and the Mountaineers capitalized on their home advantage. The betting market had favored BYU, with DraftKings setting the odds at BYU -2.5, reflecting their stronger overall record compared to West Virginia.
Throughout the game, West Virginia displayed resilience, particularly in the second half where key plays helped them maintain their lead. AJ Dybantsa made a pivotal 26-foot three-point jumper, extending the Mountaineers' lead to 72-69. Following that, Brenen Lorient's layup pushed the score to 74-69. Despite BYU's efforts to close the gap, including a layup by Keba Keita that brought them to 71-74, West Virginia's free throws in the closing moments sealed their victory.
Injuries did not play a significant role in this matchup as both teams were largely intact. This allowed for a full-strength contest, showcasing the talent on both sides. The Mountaineers' victory not only alters their trajectory in the season but also serves as a morale booster as they look to build on this success moving forward.
As the game concluded, West Virginia's home win probability stood at 1.0, reflecting their ability to secure the win convincingly. The Mountaineers will look to carry this momentum into their next games, while BYU will need to regroup and address their defensive issues to improve their chances in upcoming fixtures.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BYU -2.5 | 141.5 o -105 / u -115 | BYU Cougars -162 · West Virginia Mountaineers +136 |
Leaders
- PointsHonor Huff19West Virginia Mountaineers
- AssistsHonor Huff6West Virginia Mountaineers
- ReboundsBrenen Lorient9West Virginia Mountaineers
- PointsRobert Wright III23BYU Cougars
- AssistsRobert Wright III4BYU Cougars
- ReboundsKeba Keita8BYU Cougars
Recent form
West Virginia Mountaineers
Last 10: 4-6Streak L363 scored · 67.1 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L84-91at Oklahoma State CowboysFeb 25
- L54-60at TCU Horned FrogsFeb 21
- L56-61vs Utah UtesFeb 19
- W74-67at UCF KnightsFeb 14
- L63-70vs Texas Tech Red RaidersFeb 8
- W59-54at Cincinnati BearcatsFeb 6
- L53-63vs Baylor BearsJan 31
- W59-54vs Kansas State WildcatsJan 28
- L53-88at Arizona WildcatsJan 24
- W75-63at Arizona State Sun DevilsJan 22
BYU Cougars
Last 10: 4-6Streak L183.4 scored · 85.1 allowed per game1-3 away
- L84-97vs UCF KnightsFeb 25
- W79-69vs Iowa State CyclonesFeb 22
- L68-75at Arizona WildcatsFeb 19
- W90-86vs Colorado BuffaloesFeb 14
- W99-94at Baylor BearsFeb 11
- L66-77vs Houston CougarsFeb 8
- L92-99at Oklahoma State CowboysFeb 5
- L82-90at Kansas JayhawksJan 31
- L83-86vs Arizona WildcatsJan 27
- W91-78vs Utah UtesJan 24
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 | West Virginia Mountaineers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-51 | 27-62 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 9-24 | 8-25 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 32 |
| Free throws | 14-19 | 17-22 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 18 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 21 |
| Assists | 10 | 17 |
| Steals | 7 | 6 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 36 |
| Fouls | 18 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 14 | 79 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half36-45Brenen Lorient makes layup (Honor Huff assists)
- 2nd Half36-47DJ Thomas makes layup (Honor Huff assists)
- 2nd Half39-47AJ Dybantsa makes 29-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half39-50Honor Huff makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half41-50AJ Dybantsa makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half41-52Chance Moore makes layup (Brenen Lorient assists)
- 2nd Half43-52AJ Dybantsa makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-53Chance Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-54Chance Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-54Robert Wright III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-54Robert Wright III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-56Brenen Lorient makes layup (Treysen Eaglestaff assists)
- 2nd Half45-57Honor Huff makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-58Honor Huff makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-58AJ Dybantsa makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half48-58AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-58AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-60Honor Huff makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-60Keba Keita makes 5-foot dunk (Kennard Davis Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half53-60Robert Wright III makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-63Honor Huff makes 26-foot three point jumper (Brenen Lorient assists)
- 2nd Half55-63Kennard Davis Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half55-65Brenen Lorient makes 15-foot jumper (Jasper Floyd assists)
- 2nd Half58-65Kennard Davis Jr. makes 28-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half58-67Brenen Lorient makes layup
- 2nd Half60-67Robert Wright III makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-70Brenen Lorient makes 25-foot three point jumper (Honor Huff assists)
- 2nd Half63-70Robert Wright III makes 28-foot three point jumper (Aleksej Kostic assists)
- 2nd Half63-71Brenen Lorient makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-71Keba Keita makes layup (Aleksej Kostic assists)
- 2nd Half66-71Keba Keita makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half66-72Chance Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-72AJ Dybantsa makes 26-foot three point jumper (Robert Wright III assists)
- 2nd Half69-74Brenen Lorient makes layup
- 2nd Half71-74Keba Keita makes layup
- 2nd Half71-75Honor Huff makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-76Jasper Floyd makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-77Jasper Floyd makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-78Harlan Obioha makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-79Harlan Obioha makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours West Virginia Mountaineers, below favours BYU Cougars.
Venue
- Hope ColiseumMorgantown, WV
- Attendance13799
- OfficialsRick Crawford, Darron George, Gregory Nixon
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- 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