BYU guard Rob Wright III posts 35 points and 5 assists in opener

Thirty-five points is the final number for Rob Wright III after officials reviewed the game film following BYU's regular-season opener.

The Cougars defeated Ohio State on Monday, and the postgame program review credited Wright with two additional baskets. His official line now stands at 35 points on 10-of-16 shooting, which is a 63 percent clip. He also recorded five assists and made four of five three-point attempts. From the free-throw line, he converted 11 of 12 shots. Despite handling the ball heavily, Wright committed only one turnover for the entire game.

Wright described his performance as a return to competitive form. He told reporters after the game that he was happy to be competing again and focused on securing the win for the team.

According to Stats Perform, Wright is one of only five Division I players in the past 30 years to record 35 points, five assists, and a single turnover in a season opener. He is the only player in that group to achieve the feat against a high-major opponent.

BYU coach Kevin Young praised Wright's poise and control. Young noted that Wright's shooting from the free-throw line, his passing, and his limited turnovers allowed him to dictate the flow of the game. The Cougars trailed by 11 points midway through the first half, but Wright scored 10 points in the next eight minutes to cut the deficit to three at halftime. He added 19 points in the second half, including all four of his three-pointers.

Wright is the only returning starter on the roster. He has taken on the role of on-court leader, a responsibility he credits to mentorship from Richie Saunders last year. Saunders helped him understand how to guide teammates, and Wright has worked with coach Young all offseason to prepare the new roster members.

Freshman Brooks Bahr also made an impact in his collegiate debut. He played 14 minutes and finished with a plus/minus of +11. Bahr contributed two points, one rebound, and two assists. While his scoring output was modest, his defensive effort and energy were prominent. Young called Bahr an absolute dog who wakes up playing at that intensity.

When Bahr was on the floor, BYU's net efficiency rose to +54.5, compared to minus 2 when he was off the court. The team shot 62 percent from the field and scored 1.68 points per possession during those stretches. Bahr, a recently returned missionary, was not initially expected to play much this season, but his performance suggests he will earn a regular spot in the rotation. Wright said Bahr pushes him daily and brings toughness to every practice session.