No. 25 BYU opened its men's basketball season with a 94-83 win over Ohio State on Monday night, Nov. 2, 2026, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Rob Wright III scored a game-high 33 points, and BYU came back from an 11-point first-half deficit by scoring 60 points in the second half.
| Final | BYU 94, Ohio State 83 |
| Where | Delta Center, Salt Lake City |
| Halftime | Ohio State 37, BYU 34 |
| Top scorer | Rob Wright III, 33 points, 9 assists |
| Next | Home opener vs. Omaha, Friday, Nov. 6, Marriott Center |
How it went
Ohio State built an 11-point lead in the first half, its largest of the night, and led 37-34 at the break, according to the Buckeyes' recap. BYU tied the game with a three to open the second half. Ohio State went back ahead 57-55 on a John Mobley Jr. layup with about 12 minutes left.
From there it was BYU's game. The Deseret News reported that BYU, trailing by two midway through the second half, made 12 of its next 14 shots, and that over the final 30 minutes it shot 64% from the field and 63% from three. BYU committed 8 turnovers to Ohio State's 12.
BYU started slowly: the Deseret News counted 3 makes on its first 13 shots and 1 of its first 8 threes.
The box score, in short
| Player | Points | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rob Wright III | 33 | 9 assists; 4 of 5 from three |
| Tyler Betsey | 15 | |
| Collin Chandler | 15 | |
| Bruce Branch III | 12 | |
| Jaxon Kohler | 11 |
BYU shot 54.4% from the field and 45.8% from three; Ohio State shot 49.1% and 32.1%, per Ohio State's recap. Amare Bynum led the Buckeyes with 20 points.
Coach Kevin Young said his team showed "more good than bad" on defense, the Deseret News reported.
What's next
BYU's home opener is Friday, Nov. 6, against Omaha at the Marriott Center, followed by Queens on Nov. 10 and Montana State on Nov. 12. Our 2026-27 season preview has the full schedule, and our Marriott Center game-day guide covers parking, tickets and timing.
BYU's women open tonight, Tuesday, Nov. 3, hosting Idaho State at the Marriott Center.
For the football side of the week, see our guide to BYU at Utah on Saturday. If you went to the Delta Center for this one, our Delta Center game night guide covers getting there from Utah Valley.
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Sources
The facts in this guide were checked against these sources. Hours, fees and rules change, so confirm anything time-sensitive with the source before you go. How we make Provo.com.
- Buckeyes Battle No. 25 BYU in Season Opener, Fall 94-83, Ohio State Athletics. Checked November 3, 2026.
- BYU announces 2026-27 non-conference schedule (women's basketball), BYU Athletics. Checked November 3, 2026.
- BYU basketball: Cougars defeat Ohio State 94-83 in season opener, Deseret News. Checked November 3, 2026.
- BYU 94-83 Ohio State (Nov 2, 2026) Box Score, ESPN. Checked November 3, 2026.