After a tough stretch of losses, including a bitter defeat in the Border War against Colorado State, the Wyoming Cowboys basketball team bounced back with a historic road win over UNLV on Tuesday night, University of Wyoming Athletics reports.
The Cowboys claimed a gritty 63-61 victory at the Thomas & Mack Center, marking their first road win over the Rebels in 22 years.
Head coach Sundance Wicks emphasized resilience and effort in the lead-up to the game.
“If you want more, you have to do more,” Wicks said.
His team responded by delivering one of their best performances of the season.
The Cowboys showcased a strong team effort, with 14 three-pointers, 18 assists on 22 made field goals, and an impressive defensive stand that held UNLV at bay for most of the game.
“There was a monumental effort from a lot of dudes, holy cow,” Wicks said. “That’s what we’re supposed to be doing, that’s Poke basketball.”
Obi Agbim led the scoring with 19 points, sinking five three-pointers to spearhead the offensive attack. Oleg Kojenets, rewarded with a starting role for his recent contributions, made an impact in the paint with solid defense and two dunks.
Other key contributions included Dontaie Allen’s timely three-pointers to keep the Cowboys competitive, Kobe Newton’s circus shot to extend the lead late in the game, and Jordan Nesbitt’s all-around performance off the bench, finishing with 13 points and six assists.
Despite a late 8-0 run by UNLV to close the gap, Wyoming held on in the final moments. Agbim missed a critical free throw in a one-and-one situation, but his hustle on defense forced UNLV guard Dedan Thomas Jr. into a difficult shot that missed. Thomas, who had 17 points and recently led the Rebels to victories over ranked Utah State and San Diego State, was unable to force overtime.
The Cowboys celebrated a hard-earned victory, their first in Las Vegas in over two decades, and hope to carry the momentum into the remainder of conference play.
Wicks acknowledged that rebuilding the program takes time but expressed optimism about his team’s potential.
“It’s not going to be all magical right now,” Wicks said. “We’re in year one. We’re fighting to build that stuff, and that’s the foundation. But these guys are setting that standard.”
With this breakthrough win, the Cowboys have their sights set on making waves in the Mountain West Tournament in March.
“It’s all a process,” Wicks added. “But come March, these guys, if they keep doing this, they’re going to be a really tough out.”
For those interested in supporting Wyoming’s student-athletes through NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) initiatives, 1WYO offers opportunities to contribute while fostering the state’s tradition of neighborly support. More information is available at 1wyo.org.
