The kids were more than alright on Saturday in a record-setting night of NCAA excellence.
A trio of college freshmen in Duke’s AJ Dybantsa, Illinois’ Keaton Wagler, and Houston’s Kingston Flemings combined for a feat never seen in NCAA men’s basketball history. Dybantsa, Wagler, and Flemings each scored over 40 points in their respective games Saturday, marking the first time three freshmen have scored 40 or more points on the same night.
Kingston Flemings, Keaton Wagler and AJ Dybantsa all had 40+ points today 😤
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) January 25, 2026
This is the first day in Division I history where three freshmen had a 40-point game (since freshmen became eligible to play in 1972-73) pic.twitter.com/EVhpiKTinu
Flemings was the first to break through. He dropped 42 points on 15/26 shooting along with 6 assists. Despite his efforts, No. 6 Houston lost to No. 12 Texas Tech 90-86.
Wagler one-upped Flemings with an even more unconscious shooting night. The Illini guard went off for 46 points on 13/17 shooting and 9 three-pointers, helping No. 11 Illinois upset No. 4 Purdue 88-82. Wagler’s scoring total was the highest ever by a visiting player at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind.
Keaton Wagler scored the most points EVER by a visitor at Mackey 😱:
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) January 24, 2026
46 PTS
13-17 FG
9-11 3PT
WOW. pic.twitter.com/KVAd0B0W0A
Dybantsa was not to be outdone. The BYU swingman torched Utah in a rivalry game for 43 points on 15/24 shooting, scoring from all three levels of the floor.
AJ Dybantsa showed off PRO type skill tonight:
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) January 25, 2026
43 PTS
6 REBS
15-24 FG
4-5 3PT@BYUMBB Freshman scoring record performance 👏 pic.twitter.com/7vKcjecSsY
Saturday’s scoring solar flares from across the country showed fans why this year’s freshman class has been so widely regarded.
Dybantsa is widely projected to be a top-2 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, while Wagler and Flemings could both be selected in the lottery. Dybantsa and Wagler don’t turn 19 until next week, while Flemings just celebrated his 19th birthday earlier this month.
