The University of Connecticut Huskies survived a heart-stopping rally by the Brigham Young University Cougars to win 86-84 on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at TD Garden in Boston — a game that felt like a March Madness preview in November. With 16,116 fans on their feet, the Hall of Fame Series - Boston delivered exactly what college basketball fans crave: tension, star power, and a finish that left jaws on the floor. UConn, ranked No. 3 and undefeated at 4-0, held on despite a furious second-half surge from No. 7 BYU, who nearly erased a 20-point deficit. The win wasn’t pretty, but it was real. And it might just be the defining test of UConn’s title hopes.
A Commanding Lead, Then the Collapse
UConn came out firing. The Huskies shot 56.6% from the field and drained 44.4% of their threes in the first half, building a 59-39 lead early in the second half. Reed Jr. sparked the offense with back-to-back buckets to start the half, while Karaban hit two deep threes — the second putting UConn up 71-55 with 7:46 left. Jaylin Stewart added a thunderous dunk that sent the Connecticut section into a frenzy. It looked like a rout. But in college basketball, especially in Boston, nothing is ever over until the final buzzer.Dybantsa’s Homecoming Heroics
Then came AJ Dybantsa. The freshman phenom, projected as the No. 1 overall NBA draft pick, returned to his hometown of Boston wearing BYU’s blue and white. He was quiet in the first half — just 6 points. But in the second, he turned into a human highlight reel. Dybantsa scored 19 of his game-high 25 points after halftime, hitting 8 of 12 shots, including two threes, and pulling down six rebounds. His drive-and-kick to set up a three-pointer for R. Saunders cut the lead to 73-68 with under five minutes left. Then came the free throws. BYU went 7-for-7 from the line in a 13-2 run that turned a 16-point deficit into a one-possession game. The crowd, a mix of UConn loyalists and Boston natives rooting for Dybantsa, was deafening. You could feel the momentum shift — literally. The air changed.The Unsung Hero: Jayden Ross
While Dybantsa stole the headlines, UConn’s win was sealed by a quiet reserve. Jayden Ross, a 12-minute bench sparkplug, dropped 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting, including two clutch threes. His jumper at 9:54 of the second half stopped BYU’s first major run dead, restoring order when the Cougars smelled blood. Ross didn’t start. He didn’t lead in minutes. But he made the kind of plays that championship teams rely on. Coach Dan Hurley didn’t need a star performance from him — just poise. And he delivered.Numbers That Tell the Real Story
UConn’s shooting efficiency was absurd: 56.6% FG, 44.4% from deep. But their defense? That’s what kept them alive. BYU shot just 42% overall in the second half after hitting 51% in the first. The Cougars, who entered the game averaging 80.0% from the line, went 18-for-20 (90%) — and nearly won because of it. S. Ball of UConn, who entered the game averaging 18.3 points and 88.9% from the line, finished with 17 points and went 9-for-10 at the stripe. That’s not luck. That’s discipline. And it mattered when BYU was fouling to stop the clock.
What This Means for Both Teams
For UConn, this wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. They faced a team that could compete in the NCAA Tournament, played on the road (sort of — Boston’s a neutral site, but it felt like a BYU home game), and survived a late collapse. Coach Hurley’s squad showed depth, composure, and the kind of mental toughness that separates contenders from pretenders. They’re now 4-0, with the Big East slate looming — and this game might be the toughest they face all season. For BYU, it’s bittersweet. They lost by two points. They had the ball with a chance to tie or win in the final 10 seconds. But they didn’t get the call on the final possession — a potential foul on Karaban that went uncalled. Still, they showed they belong. Dybantsa didn’t just play well — he announced himself to the national audience. And with R. Saunders averaging 20.3 points, BYU isn’t just a one-man show. They’re dangerous. Their 3-1 record doesn’t tell the whole story. They’re building something.What’s Next?
UConn heads into Big East play with a target on their back. Their next game is against Seton Hall on November 23 — a rivalry game with playoff implications. BYU returns to Provo to prepare for Big 12 action, starting with a home game against West Virginia on November 25. Both teams are NCAA Tournament locks at this point. But only one will walk away with a signature win — and for now, it’s UConn.Frequently Asked Questions
How did AJ Dybantsa’s performance impact BYU’s chances?
AJ Dybantsa’s 25-point outburst, particularly his 19 second-half points, was the sole reason BYU stayed alive. Without his scoring and ability to draw fouls, the Cougars wouldn’t have cut UConn’s 20-point lead to two. His 8-of-12 shooting and 6 rebounds showed elite NBA-level potential, and his hometown connection electrified the crowd — creating an atmosphere that unnerved UConn in the final minutes.
Why was Jayden Ross so important despite playing only 12 minutes?
Ross provided critical spacing and clutch shooting when UConn’s starters needed rest. His two threes — one at the start of the second half and another during BYU’s rally — stopped momentum swings. He didn’t dominate stats, but his efficiency (4-of-5 FG, 10 points) and timing were perfect. In close games, bench players like Ross often decide the outcome — and he did exactly that.
Did officiating play a role in the final outcome?
Referees Tony Chiazza and Doug Sirmons called a tight game, with 44 total fouls and 52 free throws attempted. BYU went 18-for-20 from the line — a major factor in their comeback. But the final possession, where UConn’s Karaban was called for a potential foul on a defensive play, went uncalled. That decision, though controversial, didn’t change the outcome — BYU’s final shot was off-target anyway.
How does this result affect NCAA Tournament projections?
UConn’s win strengthens their case as a top-2 seed — beating a top-10 team on the road (even if neutral) is a resume-builder. BYU, despite the loss, now has a quality win over a top-15 team and a near-upset of a top-3 team. Both are locked in, but UConn’s profile is now elite. BYU’s path to a high seed depends on how they handle Big 12 competition — especially games against Kansas and Baylor.
What’s the significance of this game being part of the Hall of Fame Series?
The Hall of Fame Series is designed to showcase elite non-conference matchups in historic venues — and TD Garden, home to the Celtics and Bruins, is one of the most iconic. This game was televised nationally on FOX, giving both programs massive exposure. For UConn, it reinforced their status as a national brand. For BYU, it was a coming-out party for Dybantsa on a big stage — and proof they can compete with the best.