The University of Wyoming Cowboys basketball team came agonizingly close to securing their first victory at Viejas Arena since 2007, but ultimately fell short in a dramatic 63–61 loss to the San Diego State Aztecs on Saturday.
Wyoming held a 9-point lead with just over six minutes left in the game, but San Diego State mounted a dominant 20–0 run during the final stretch to surge ahead. Despite a valiant late push from the Cowboys, which included an 11–2 run in the closing moments, they could not overcome the Aztecs’ late-game surge.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our Pokes’ effort tonight,” said Wyoming head coach Sundance Wicks. “The game plan was executed well, and you could see frustration setting in with the Aztecs. But we’ve got to show that consistency in other games too.”
The game saw standout performances from several Cowboys, with Dontaie Allen leading the charge. Allen posted a season-high 18 points, including four 3-pointers. Obi Agbim also contributed 12 points, including 8 in the game’s final moments, while Oleg Kojenets grabbed six rebounds along with 6 points. However, foul trouble affected Jordan Nesbitt, who contributed 9 points in the contest.
The game began with a back-and-forth exchange of baskets, with Wyoming briefly leading 21–20 midway through the first half. However, the Aztecs closed the half with a 6–2 run, taking a slim 28–25 lead into the break. Both teams struggled with shooting consistency, as they each finished the first half with 38% field goal shooting.
In the second half, Wyoming initially took control, tying the game at 28-28, before pushing their lead to 50-41 after a series of successful shots. But the Aztecs responded with a 10–0 run, followed by a 20-point streak that handed them a 61–55 lead with just 10 seconds remaining.
The Cowboys, however, weren’t done yet. A technical foul on the Aztecs allowed Allen to sink free throws, and Agbim hit a crucial 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 62–61. But a final free throw from San Diego State gave them a 63–61 victory as time expired.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Coach Wicks remained optimistic about his team’s resilience and effort.
“There’s no excuse, but we had a three-minute stretch where we didn’t make a shot, and you have to make a shot in those moments,” he said.
The Aztecs were led by Magoon Gwath, who recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Nick Boyd, who added 13 points. San Diego State improved to 15-5 overall and 8-3 in the Mountain West Conference, while Wyoming dropped to 11-11 overall and 4-7 in the conference.
The Cowboys will look to bounce back when they host Utah State on Tuesday at the Arena-Auditorium.
Oil City News, and Wyoming Tribune Eagle contributed to this report.
