The roar of Madison Square Garden echoed with disbelief and then sheer elation on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, as the No. 10 BYU Cougars orchestrated a historic 22-point second-half comeback to defeat the Clemson Tigers 67-64. Robert Wright III’s dramatic buzzer-beating three-pointer sealed an unforgettable victory in the Jimmy V Classic, marking BYU’s largest second-half rally in program history. This thrilling contest tested BYU’s resilience and showcased the clutch performances of its rising stars, delivering a significant benchmark win in a legendary venue.
Historic Rally: BYU Erases 22-Point Deficit at MSG
The atmosphere inside Madison Square Garden was electric for the much-anticipated BYU vs. Clemson basketball showdown. The early narrative, however, favored the Tigers. Clemson, entering the game with a respectable 7-2 record, stunned the Cougars in the first half. They dominated the opening twenty minutes, building a commanding 43-22 lead by halftime. A pivotal 21-0 run saw BYU go scoreless for nearly seven minutes, struggling to find any offensive rhythm against Clemson’s robust defense. Jestin Porter led the Tigers’ charge, contributing 14 points in a near-flawless first-half display.
Yet, the second half painted a dramatically different picture. The Cougars emerged from the locker room with renewed determination, igniting a relentless surge. Freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa spearheaded the comeback, pouring in 21 of his game-high 28 points after the break. BYU chipped away at the seemingly insurmountable lead, fueled by aggressive defense and improved shooting. A brief, unexpected delay occurred when BYU’s center Keba Keita’s fastbreak dunk caused the backboard to become uneven, adding another layer of drama to the unfolding contest.
The Clutch Finish: Wright Delivers Iconic Buzzer-Beater
Despite the interruption, BYU’s momentum never wavered. They outscored Clemson an astonishing 44-21 in the second half. The Tigers, conversely, endured a four-minute scoring drought and started the second period 0-for-7 from the field, revealing cracks in their earlier dominance. With under eight minutes remaining, BYU had slashed the deficit to just six points. The Cougars then took their first lead since the opening minutes when Dybantsa connected with Keita for an alley-oop finish with 3:17 left on the clock.
The final seconds brought breathtaking action. Clemson guard Dillon Hunter seemingly tied the game at 64 with five seconds left, hitting a clutch three-pointer and a subsequent fastbreak layup. Following a flurry of timeouts, all eyes turned to Robert Wright III. With the clock winding down, Wright received the inbound pass and coolly launched a three-pointer that swished through the net as the final horn sounded. The buzzer-beater sent the BYU faithful into a frenzy, cementing the Cougars’ 67-64 victory and completing their record-setting second-half comeback.
BYU’s Rising Stars Shine Bright on the National Stage
This unforgettable performance underscored the immense talent within the BYU roster. AJ Dybantsa, widely regarded as a potential No. 1 NBA draft pick, showcased his elite scoring ability. His 28 points against Clemson further solidified his impressive freshman campaign, where he averages a team-high 19.4 points per game and has scored at least 15 points in every game this season. Dybantsa’s composure under pressure and ability to take over a game proved instrumental in the comeback.
Keba Keita, BYU’s formidable center, also played a crucial role. While his backboard-shaking dunk added a moment of levity (and a brief delay), his defensive presence is undeniable. Keita ranks fifth in the Big 12 and 40th nationally in blocks per game (2.0), consistently disrupting opponents’ offenses. The Cougars hold an impressive 10-1 record when Keita records three or more blocks, a testament to his impact.
The hero of the night, Robert Wright III, proved to be more than just the team’s primary facilitator. While leading the team with 6.2 assists per game, Wright has also emerged as a potent scorer, averaging nearly 17 points per contest. His clutch buzzer-beater against Clemson will undoubtedly become an iconic moment in BYU basketball history, highlighting his ability to perform when it matters most. Senior Richie Saunders, another key contributor, continues his career-best season, averaging 18.9 points and demonstrating remarkable efficiency from beyond the arc (42.6% from 3-point range).
Clemson’s Resilience and Deep Roster Tested
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Clemson demonstrated significant strengths, particularly in the first half. The Tigers (7-3) entered the Jimmy V Classic exceeding expectations for the season. Their balanced scoring attack, featuring eight players averaging 7.7 points or more, showcases their impressive depth. This allows head coach Brad Brownell to utilize a robust 10-man rotation, keeping fresh legs on the court. Against BYU, Jestin Porter led the scoring with 17 points, supported by RJ Godfrey (13 points) and Butta Johnson (10 points). Dillon Hunter’s late heroics to tie the game exemplified their fighting spirit.
Interestingly, the Clemson basketball roster features local ties for a Utah-based team. Two starters, Jake Wahlin (a transfer from Utah) and Carter Welling, hail from the Beehive State. Furthermore, starting big man Nick Davidson has familial connections to BYU, as his late father, Kirk Davidson, played for the Cougars. The game also paid tribute to a Clemson legend, with the Tigers wearing a #41 jersey patch in honor of Elden Campbell, the program’s all-time leading scorer, who had recently passed away. This contest, though a loss, served as a critical test for Clemson’s depth and resilience ahead of challenging conference play.
BYU’s Madison Square Garden Legacy and Program Ascent
The dramatic victory held particular significance for the BYU program, not only for the comeback itself but also for its setting. Madison Square Garden, famously known as “The Mecca of Basketball,” has been a storied but often challenging venue for the Cougars. BYU now holds an 11-13 record at MSG since 1950, notably winning both of its NIT titles there in 1951 and 1966. This win against Clemson snaps a seven-game losing streak at The World’s Most Famous Arena, marking their first victory there since December 27, 1966.
Second-year head coach Kevin Young, with extensive NBA assistant coaching experience, brought a unique perspective to playing at MSG. His teams, including stints with the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns, boasted an impressive 10-2 record at the Garden. Young emphasized the honor of being invited to such a prestigious event as the Jimmy V Classic, especially as a newer member of the Big 12 Conference. This high-profile matchup against an ACC opponent like Clemson served as a clear indicator of BYU basketball’s upward trajectory and national recognition, highlighting the broader positive trend for BYU athletics. The team’s diverse and talented roster, featuring international players alongside projected NBA talent, underscores this ambitious future.
The Road Ahead: Implications for Both Teams
For BYU, this historic comeback win against Clemson provides immense momentum. It not only boosts their national ranking and resume but also instills invaluable confidence in their ability to perform under extreme pressure. The victory reinforces their status as a legitimate contender in the competitive Big 12. Fans will be eagerly anticipating how this young, talented squad continues to develop throughout the season, especially with players like Dybantsa gaining crucial big-game experience.
Clemson, while undoubtedly disappointed, can draw lessons from their dominant first half and the resilience shown by some players in adverse situations. This Quadrant 1 loss will serve as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining focus and intensity for an entire 40 minutes, particularly against ranked opponents. As they prepare for challenging conference play, the Tigers will look to refine their execution and leverage their impressive depth to bounce back stronger. The Jimmy V Classic itself, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, ultimately showcased a memorable spectacle of collegiate athletics, regardless of the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the BYU vs. Clemson Jimmy V Classic game?
The No. 10 BYU Cougars defeated the Clemson Tigers with a final score of 67-64 in the Jimmy V Classic held at Madison Square Garden on December 9, 2025. This dramatic victory was sealed by a buzzer-beating three-pointer from BYU’s Robert Wright III, completing an incredible 22-point second-half comeback, which became the largest in BYU program history.
How significant was BYU’s win over Clemson for their program?
This win was immensely significant for BYU basketball. It marked their largest second-half comeback ever and broke a seven-game losing streak at Madison Square Garden, a venue where they have a mixed history. For second-year coach Kevin Young, it validated the program’s upward trajectory since joining the Big 12 Conference and showcased their ability to compete and win on a national stage against a strong ACC opponent in a prestigious event like the Jimmy V Classic.
Which BYU players were key to their historic comeback against Clemson?
Freshman AJ Dybantsa was a pivotal force, scoring 21 of his game-high 28 points in the second half to lead the offensive charge. Robert Wright III sealed the victory with his unforgettable buzzer-beating three-pointer, demonstrating his clutch performance. Additionally, center Keba Keita contributed significantly with his defensive presence, despite a brief game delay caused by his powerful dunk that dislodged the backboard.
