After a hot start in Laramie that saw them crack the top 25 for the first time since the Reagan Administration, the Wyoming Cowboys recently experienced a bit of a dry spell. Having lost two of their last three games - all without the services of Larry Nance Jr. who happens to be Wyoming’s best player - the Cowboys have now won two in a row to stay within striking distance of San Diego State for the top spot in the Mountain West Conference.
Playing without Larry Nance Jr. for the third consecutive game, the Pokes looked nothing like a quality basketball team over the first 20 minutes, scoring only 13 points against the Nevada Wolf Pack in Reno on Tuesday.
There were, however, two problems with the halftime scenario for Nevada. First, the Wolf Pack managed only 27 points themselves and could not bury the Cowboys when they had the chance. Secondly, a renewed Wyoming team appeared in the second half, one for which Nevada had no answer.
Ultimately, Wyoming finished the game on a 12-2 run and left Reno with a 64-58 victory. Without leading scorer Nance in the line-up, the Pokes were led by Josh Adam’s 18 points and Derek Cooke Jr’s 14. Wyoming native Jason McManamen posted a career high 11 points on the night, including a three-point shot with four and a half minutes remaining that gave the Pokes a lead they would never relinquish.
Nevada, who shot only 35% from the field, failed to provide much of a defensive front against the Cowboys over the last 20 minutes and allowed the Pokes to put up 51 points. A.J West, with his 19 rebounds and 18 points - on a perfect shooting night - did what he could to keep the Wolf Pack in front, but it was not enough.
With the win Wyoming moves to 21-6 (10-4) and sits one game behind MWC frontrunner San Diego State in the conference standings. Nevada falls to 8-17 (4-9) and is destined for another offseason of rebuilding.