The University of Wyoming Cowboys faced the Utah State Aggies for the second time this season, once again coming up just short with a 71–67 loss.
The defeat brings Wyoming’s record to 11–12, dipping below .500 as the team navigates conference play without star scorer Obi Agbim.
Despite the absence of Agbim, Wyoming’s defense stood out by limiting the Aggies, who lead the conference in three-pointers made per game, to just three successful shots from beyond the arc. Head coach Sundance Wicks acknowledged the team’s strong defensive performance but stressed the need for continued growth.
“Who we are is yet to be determined, but I know this: If we double down on our competitiveness, connection, and commitment to the team we are starting to become on the defensive side of the ball, the identity is starting to form,” Wicks told UW Athletics.
In Agbim’s absence, A.J. Wills stepped into the starting lineup and logged key minutes. Jordan Nesbitt led the team with 11 points and seven rebounds, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. Dontaie Allen contributed 10 points, while Kobe Newton and Wills chipped in with six points each.
The game featured a series of back-and-forth runs, with both teams trading momentum. Utah State began with a 7–0 run, but Wyoming answered, eventually leading 35–30 at halftime. The Aggies roared back in the second half with a 15–2 run, putting Wyoming in a hole. Despite multiple runs from both sides, the Cowboys struggled to maintain consistency and eventually fell behind in the closing minutes.
Ian Martinez led Utah State with 19 points, going 9 for 9 from the free-throw line. Drake Allen added 11 points, including two critical three-pointers. The Aggies shot 40.7% from the field compared to Wyoming’s 45.3%, but their ability to close out the game proved decisive.
The Cowboys will aim to bounce back when they host the UNLV Rebels at the Arena-Auditorium this Saturday at 2 p.m. Wyoming previously defeated UNLV on the road for the first time since 2003, giving fans hope for another strong performance.
Meanwhile, Utah State (20-3, 10-2 Mountain West Conference) will travel to face Fresno State on Friday. For more information on the Cowboys’ schedule, visit the UW Athletics website.
