IRVING, Texas – BYU’s Richie Saunders was named to the Big 12 Starting Five a second time this season after nearly averaging a double-double last week.
In setbacks to No. 1 Arizona and No. 14 Kansas, Saunders averaged 25.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game while shooting 60.0 percent from the field, 42.9 percent from 3-point range and 75.0 percent from the free throw line. He also had four assists, four steals and a block.
The Riverton native scored 18 points on Monday evening against the Wildcats going 7-of-11 from the field, 3-of-7 from three and 1-of-2 from the charity stripe. He also pulled down a team-high nine rebounds, four of those coming on the offensive glass.
Monster 33 + 10 from Richie Saunders at Kansas, nearly dragging BYU all the way back from a 20-point halftime hole. Legit All-American candidate — one of the best shooter/scorers in college basketball. pic.twitter.com/DpYGyfr8w3
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) February 1, 2026
In Saturday’s showdown against the Jayhawks, Saunders scored 24 of his career-high 33 points in the second half as the Cougars nearly overcame a 20-point halftime deficit to defeat Kansas for a third straight time. His 33 points are tied for the most points scored by a Cougar against a ranked team since 1996. He also tied a career-high with six 3-pointers to go along with 10 rebounds for his third double-double of the season and fourth of his career.
Saunders and the Cougars return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 4, with a trip to Stillwater to face Oklahoma State. Tip is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT on FS1.