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Sports USA Wyoming

Wyoming Cowboys Show Grit in Narrow Loss to Utah State

Wyoming Cowboys Show Grit in Narrow Loss to Utah State
Troy Babbitt - University of Wyoming Athletics
  • PublishedDecember 6, 2024

The Wyoming Cowboys demonstrated their potential Wednesday night, pushing undefeated Utah State to the brink in a 70-67 loss during the Mountain West opener, University of Wyoming Athletics reports.

Led by head coach Sundance Wicks, the Cowboys employed a deliberate game plan to control the tempo against one of the nation’s highest-scoring teams.

In front of a lively crowd of 8,420 at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, Wyoming’s disciplined performance kept fans on edge until the final seconds. A half-court shot by Jordan Nesbitt at the buzzer narrowly missed, sealing the game in favor of Utah State. Despite the loss, the Pokes (5-3) showcased growing team chemistry and a vision for success under Wicks’ leadership.

Ahead of the matchup, Wicks emphasized a strategy to limit Utah State’s offensive rhythm by slowing down possessions and forcing difficult shots. The approach worked as Wyoming held the Aggies nearly 20 points below their season scoring average of 89.4 points and limited their three-point shooting to just 29.4% (5-for-17).

“What we learned is we can compete with anybody… When we play slow on offense and stingy on defense, I think we’ve found an identity. Tonight was a step in that direction,” Wicks said.

Point guard Obi Agbim directed the Cowboys’ offense with precision, tallying 17 points, 10 assists, and just one turnover in 37 minutes. Wicks praised his leadership, calling it a “growth game” for the sophomore.

From beyond the arc, Wyoming had its best shooting night of the season, hitting 46.2% of its three-point attempts (12-for-26). Senior guard Kobe Newton delivered in crunch time, sinking five three-pointers, including a clutch shot that brought the Pokes within three points with just six seconds remaining. Dontaie Allen and Jordan Nesbitt also added critical contributions from deep.

Although Utah State extended its record to 8-0, Wicks remains optimistic about his team’s potential.

“We showed that we can compete with top teams… Our ceiling is really high, and we can still get so much better,” he said.

The Cowboys now turn their attention to upcoming road games against South Dakota on December 10 and BYU on December 14. They’ll return home to the Arena-Auditorium, nicknamed the “Dome of Doom,” on December 19 to face Bellarmine. Wicks called on fans to replicate the energy of Utah State’s Spectrum, emphasizing the importance of home-court advantage in the team’s growth.

“We need the altitude and the attitude… The effort these guys put in deserves that kind of support,” Wicks said.

For those interested in supporting Wyoming athletes through NIL initiatives, visit 1wyo.org. This platform embodies the state’s culture of “neighbor helping neighbor” while empowering student-athletes and local charities.

Written By
Joe Yans