BYU Edges Clemson in a Close Contest at Madison Square Garden
Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 6:30 PM ET · Madison Square Garden
BYU Cougars 67, Clemson Tigers 64, 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 Clemson Tigers vs BYU Cougars?
BYU Cougars beat Clemson Tigers 67-64 at Madison Square Garden on December 9, 2025.
Who was favored in Clemson Tigers vs BYU Cougars?
BYU Cougars were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -225 (about 69% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the BYU Cougars narrowly defeated the Clemson Tigers 67-64 at Madison Square Garden. This game was particularly noteworthy as it showcased two teams with strong early-season records, with BYU entering the contest boasting an 8-1 record at home and a four-game winning streak. The Cougars have been formidable at home, maintaining a perfect 6-0 record, while Clemson, despite their 7-3 overall record, has struggled on the road with just one win in four away games.
The Cougars' recent form has been impressive, with an overall record of 8-2 in their last ten games. They have averaged 83.2 points scored per game while allowing 71.0 points. Their last five games have seen them scoring an average of 85.6 points, indicating a potent offense. In their most recent outing prior to facing Clemson, BYU defeated the California Baptist Lancers decisively, 91-60.
On the other hand, Clemson entered the game with a record of 7-3 over their last ten games, but they were coming off a loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide, where they fell 84-90. The Tigers have averaged 83.9 points scored and allowed 67.6 points in their last ten games, showcasing their offensive capabilities as well. However, their away record of 1-3 has raised concerns about their performance outside of their home venue.
The matchup at Madison Square Garden added an exciting neutral-site atmosphere, which often brings its own unique energy to college basketball games. The venue is renowned for hosting significant sporting events, making it a fitting location for this clash between BYU and Clemson.
In terms of betting, DraftKings set the odds with BYU favored by 4.5 points, reflecting their strong home performance and recent form. The total for the game was set at 152.5, indicating expectations for a competitive scoring environment.
The game itself was marked by several key scoring plays in the second half, including crucial dunks by AJ Dybantsa and Keba Keita, as well as a pivotal three-point jumper by Robert Wright III that ultimately helped seal the victory for BYU. The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times.
Injuries did not play a significant role in this matchup, allowing both teams to field their strongest lineups. This contributed to the high level of play witnessed throughout the game.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this performance. BYU will aim to extend their winning streak, while Clemson will seek to bounce back from this narrow defeat and improve their away performance in future games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BYU -4.5 | 152.5 o -110 / u -110 | Clemson Tigers +185 · BYU Cougars -225 |
Leaders
- PointsAJ Dybantsa28BYU Cougars
- AssistsAJ Dybantsa6BYU Cougars
- ReboundsAJ Dybantsa9BYU Cougars
- PointsJestin Porter17Clemson Tigers
- AssistsJestin Porter4Clemson Tigers
- ReboundsCarter Welling6Clemson Tigers
Recent form
BYU Cougars
Last 10: 8-2Streak W483.2 scored · 71 allowed per game6-0 at home
- 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
- W85-68vs Delaware Blue HensNov 12
- W98-53vs Holy Cross CrusadersNov 9
- W71-66vs Villanova WildcatsNov 4
- L54-74at Houston CougarsMar 14
- W96-92vs Iowa State CyclonesMar 13
Clemson Tigers
Last 10: 7-3Streak L183.9 scored · 67.6 allowed per game1-3 away
- L84-90at Alabama Crimson TideDec 4
- W92-56vs Alabama A&M BulldogsNov 29
- W97-94at Georgia BulldogsNov 23
- W70-67vs West Virginia MountaineersNov 21
- W81-61vs North Alabama LionsNov 18
- L74-79at Georgetown HoyasNov 15
- W83-56vs Morehead State EaglesNov 12
- W97-59vs Gardner-Webb Runnin' BulldogsNov 8
- W88-38vs New Hampshire WildcatsNov 4
- L73-76at Louisville CardinalsMar 15
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
| 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 | Clemson Tigers | BYU Cougars |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-58 | 25-62 |
| Field goal % | 36 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 9-29 | 5-23 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 22 |
| Free throws | 13-15 | 12-14 |
| Free throw % | 87 | 86 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 17 | 16 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 20 |
| Assists | 15 | 12 |
| Steals | 7 | 8 |
| Blocks | 5 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 34 |
| Fouls | 14 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 22 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 61 | 20 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half37-22Butta Johnson made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by RJ Godfrey.
- 1st Half40-22Jestin Porter made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Zac Foster.
- 1st Half43-22Jestin Porter made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by RJ Godfrey.
- 2nd Half44-22Jake Wahlin made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half44-24Robert Wright III made Jumper.
- 2nd Half44-25AJ Dybantsa made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half44-26AJ Dybantsa made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half44-29Robert Wright III made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by AJ Dybantsa.
- 2nd Half44-31AJ Dybantsa made Layup. Assisted by Robert Wright III.
- 2nd Half44-32AJ Dybantsa made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half44-34AJ Dybantsa made Jumper.
- 2nd Half46-34RJ Godfrey made Layup. Assisted by Butta Johnson.
- 2nd Half47-34RJ Godfrey made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half47-35AJ Dybantsa made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half47-36AJ Dybantsa made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half47-38Keba Keita made Dunk.
- 2nd Half47-40AJ Dybantsa made Jumper.
- 2nd Half47-42AJ Dybantsa made Jumper.
- 2nd Half50-42Jestin Porter made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half50-44AJ Dybantsa made Layup.
- 2nd Half50-45AJ Dybantsa made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half51-45Carter Welling made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half52-45Carter Welling made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half52-47Robert Wright III made Layup.
- 2nd Half52-48AJ Dybantsa made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half52-49AJ Dybantsa made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half52-51AJ Dybantsa made Layup. Assisted by Robert Wright III.
- 2nd Half54-51Butta Johnson made Layup. Assisted by Jestin Porter.
- 2nd Half54-53Keba Keita made Dunk. Assisted by AJ Dybantsa.
- 2nd Half54-55Keba Keita made Dunk. Assisted by AJ Dybantsa.
- 2nd Half54-58Kennard Davis Jr. made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by AJ Dybantsa.
- 2nd Half56-58RJ Godfrey made Layup. Assisted by Carter Welling.
- 2nd Half56-60Keba Keita made Dunk. Assisted by AJ Dybantsa.
- 2nd Half56-62AJ Dybantsa made Dunk.
- 2nd Half59-62Butta Johnson made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half59-63Robert Wright III made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half59-64Robert Wright III made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half62-64Dillon Hunter made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half64-64Dillon Hunter made Layup.
- 2nd Half64-67Robert Wright III made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Mihailo Bošković.
Win probability
Above the line favours BYU Cougars, below favours Clemson Tigers.
Venue
- Madison Square GardenNew York, NY
- OfficialsKipp Kissinger, Roger Ayers, Courtney Green
Elsewhere
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- 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