David Collette scored 16 points and Chris Smith chipped in 13 of his own, as the Utah State Aggies downed the visiting Wyoming Cowboys 56-44 on Tuesday night.
Utah State was able to take advantage of some hot shooting in the second half and a stiff defense that allowed the Cowboys only 18 points over the last 20 minutes.
The difference in the game was USU’s ability to knock down shots - the Aggies shot nearly 50% from the field on the night - while Wyoming went ice cold from the floor, especially in the second half. The Pokes ended the night shooting just 36% from the field.
Wyoming’s lone bright spot was the 16 points it got from Riley Grabau. The senior guard nailed 5 of his 9 three-point attempts on the night, including a heave from beyond half court at the end of the first half. Larry Nance Jr. chipped in 14 points.
Despite Grabau’s shooting, Utah State took a three point lead into the lockerroom and pushed its lead to as many as 14 in the second half. Wyoming mounted a late rally that cut the Aggies’ lead to seven with under four minutes remaining, but Utah State tightened up its defense and pushed its lead back to double digits.
Wyoming coach Larry Shyatt was disappointed with his team’s performance, especially the play of his veteran guards, Grabau and junior Josh Adams, who combined for 10 turnovers against only three assists.
“Those two usually produce results that are just the opposite,” Shyatt said of his backcourt duo. “For whatever the reason, they could not get the job done tonight.”
Wyoming entered the Mountain West Conference tilt with the Aggies having won nine of its last ten games, including an overtime win over New Mexico on Saturday. The loss drops the Pokes to 17-4 (6-2 MWC) and leaves them in a tie with San Diego State for first place.
Utah State, meanwhile, runs its record to 12-8 (5-3) and stays near the top of the Mountain West standings.