University of Wyoming senior Emily Mellema showcased her poise and leadership during a critical game against San Diego State on Saturday, delivering a clutch performance to secure a 78–71 victory at the Arena-Auditorium, County 17 reports.
With 25 seconds remaining, Mellema sank a decisive 3-pointer from the corner, giving the Cowgirls a 74–69 lead. The shot came moments after she missed two free throws, a rare lapse for the reliable point guard.
“I usually don’t celebrate that much, but that was fun,” Mellema said. “It was a make-up. I missed those free throws, and it felt good.”
Mellema finished with 18 points, six steals, and five assists. Fellow senior Allyson Fertig contributed 21 points and nine rebounds, while Tess Barnes, despite feeling unwell, logged significant minutes and led the team with a +16 plus/minus rating.
Head coach Heather Ezell praised the team’s senior class for their grit and understanding of the game’s stakes.
“These are seniors that understand this is their last go-around,” Ezell said. “They’re not going to want to miss a game, miss an opportunity, and they know when the moment is there to go capture it.”
Mellema’s impact extended beyond her late-game heroics. She drew eight fouls, converted 9-of-12 free throw attempts, and helped spark Wyoming’s offense during the second half.
“Everybody’s going to remember that 3 in the corner, which was huge,” Ezell said. “But I thought it was in the middle of that second half where she got herself to the free throw line or got an easy bucket off some drives that really got us going.”
The Cowgirls demonstrated their offensive efficiency, shooting a season-high 54.2% from the field, including 7-for-13 from beyond the arc. Wyoming’s passing was also a highlight, with 15 assists on 26 made baskets, underscoring the coaching staff’s emphasis on ball movement.
“We’ve been working on passing in practice, and it showed tonight,” Mellema said.
Fertig, who faced constant defensive pressure, remained composed, finishing 9-of-15 from the field.
“She didn’t get frustrated,” Ezell said. “She kept battling and finding different ways to get production.”
After spending much of the early season on the road, the Cowgirls benefited from the energy of 2,344 fans in the Arena-Auditorium.
“The crowd was incredible in the fourth quarter,” Mellema said. “They were urging us on, and it made a huge difference.”
The Cowgirls, who have won four of their last five games, will host Nevada at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
