No. 9 BYU (3-1) meets No. 23 Wisconsin (4-0) on Friday afternoon at the Delta Center, renewing a matchup that delivered one of last season’s most dramatic NCAA Tournament finishes.
The Cougars come into the game without star forward Kenard Davis Jr., who pleded not guilty to a misdemeanor DUI charge this week and has been held out since the incident, according to Deseret News. The Southern Illinois transfer has averaged 9.0 points, 1.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists in two games this season.
BYU edged the Badgers 91-89 in the second round to advance to the Sweet 16. Gone for Wisconsin is John Tonje, who poured in 37 points in that loss. BYU returns Richie Saunders, who led the Cougars with 25 points and seven rebounds in that game.
Kennard Davis not warming up before today’s matchup against Wisconsin. Davis was held out for last Saturday’s matchup against UConn. Pic.twitter.com/V3PIkk6k87
— Church Ball: A BYU Hoops Pod (@churchballpod) November 21, 2025
The Cougars enter with one of the nation’s most dynamic trios, headlined by freshman phenom AJ Dybantsa. A projected No. 1 pick in next year’s NBA draft, Dybantsa is averaging 20.3 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 57% from the field. Saunders adds 19.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, and sophomore transfer Robert Wright III contributes 17.8 points and 4.3 assists. The three account for 68% of BYU’s scoring.
BYU’s interior could be thin as forward Keba Keita remains questionable. His absence would give Wisconsin a significant size advantage.
The Badgers feature four players averaging double figures, led by Nick Boyd at 20.0 points. John Blackwell, averaging 19.5 points, was named Tuesday to the Wooden Award Top 50 Watch List after scoring 24 against SIUE and 31 against Campbell. Seven-footer Nolan Winter (14.2 ppg) and 6-foot-10 Austin Rapp (11.8 ppg, 9.2 rpg) give Wisconsin additional frontcourt depth.
Wisconsin has yet to be tested, winning all four games by at least 25 points. BYU, meanwhile, has already faced Villanova (71-66 win) and No. 3 UConn (86-84 loss). The Badgers lead the all-time series 2-1. A BYU victory would mark back-to-back wins over the Badgers and the Cougars’ first top-25 win of the season.
Tip-off from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City is at 4 p.m. ET on Peacock.
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