Saunders, Wright help No. 9 BYU edge Dayton 83-79 to win ESPN Events Invitational

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KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Richie Saunders had a season-high 29 points, Robert Wright III scored 23 and No. 9 BYU beat Dayton 83-79 to win the Magic bracket of the ESPN Events Invitational on Friday night.

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KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Richie Saunders had a season-high 29 points, Robert Wright III scored 23 and No. 9 BYU beat Dayton 83-79 to win the Magic bracket of the ESPN Events Invitational on Friday night.

Saunders made 9 of 15 shots from the floor, including 6 of 10 from 3-point range, and all five of his free throws for the Cougars (6-1). He also had eight rebounds and three steals. Wright hit 9 of 16 shots with two 3-pointers and added six assists and two steals. AJ Dybantsa scored 18 on 7-for-12 shooting.

Javon Bennett made six 3-pointers and scored 22 to pace the Flyers (6-2). Bryce Heard hit four 3-pointers and scored 16 points off the bench. Amael L’Etang added 13 points and De’Shayne Montgomery 11.

BYU guard Richie Saunders (15) raises a framed jersey after being named the tournament MVP after his team's win over Dayton in an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
BYU guard Richie Saunders (15) raises a framed jersey after being named the tournament MVP after his team's win over Dayton in an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Bennett made five from beyond the arc in the first half, scoring 17 to help Dayton take a 36-30 lead into the break.

Montgomery buried a 3-pointer to begin the second half for Dayton, but Saunders and Dybantsa had back-to-back layups and Wright hit from deep to spark a 15-0 run and the Cougars moved in front 45-39 with 16:24 remaining.

BYU played with a lead until Bennett hit a 3-pointer in the middle of a 7-0 run to pull the Flyers even at 67-all with four minutes left.

Wright and Heard traded 3-pointers before Saunders followed with a four-point play and the Cougars held on over the final 2:56.

BYU shot 51.8% overall and 45.5% (10 for 22) from beyond the arc. The Cougars made 15 of 18 free throws.

Dayton shot 46.8% overall, made 15 of 33 from distance (45.5%) and 6 of 14 foul shots.

Up next

BYU: Host California Baptist on Wednesday.

Dayton: Host East Tennessee State on Tuesday.

___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

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