The University of Wyoming Cowgirls delivered a commanding 79-45 victory over Boise State on Saturday at the Arena-Auditorium, University of Wyoming Athletics reports.
The dominant performance, which head coach Heather Ezell described as one of the program’s best in recent memory, showcased the team’s balanced offense and tenacious defense.
“We played 40 minutes of really good basketball,” Ezell said.
Her team shot an impressive 55.6% from the field while limiting Boise State to just 30.5% shooting and a single three-pointer.
Senior point guard Emily Mellema led the charge with 22 points, shooting 10-for-13 from the field and adding four steals and three rebounds. Mellema’s standout performance marked a strong comeback after struggling with the flu during a previous game against Colorado State.
“It’s good to be healthy again,” Mellema said. Reflecting on the opportunity to face Boise State after a painful loss in last year’s Mountain West Tournament, she added, “That one ate me up alive. I was pretty excited to play them again.”
Allyson Fertig, Wyoming’s 6-foot-4 center, also played a pivotal role, finishing with 22 points and seven rebounds. Fertig emphasized the team’s forward-looking focus as they prepare for the final stretch of the regular season.
“My plan is to go undefeated in February,” Fertig said confidently. “This game was just the start.”
The Cowgirls dominated in key areas, outscoring Boise State 58-34 in the paint and 20-6 off turnovers while holding a 43-28 rebounding advantage. Boise State’s Abby Muse, a senior standout, was held scoreless and limited to nine minutes due to foul trouble.
Ezell praised the Cowgirls’ execution and credited upperclassmen for maintaining focus.
“Our seniors had a little chip on their shoulders knowing Boise is who knocked them out last year,” she said.
The win also allowed Ezell to give valuable playing time to bench players, including senior Joslin Igo, who made her fourth appearance of the season.
The Cowgirls (13-9, 7-3 MW) have now moved into sole possession of second place in the conference standings, benefitting from other key upsets around the Mountain West. The win builds on their earlier 77-64 victory over San Jose State and boosts their confidence heading into a critical road game against San Diego State.
As February begins, the team remains laser-focused on their goal of playing “40 full minutes of Cowgirl basketball,” according to Mellema.
For fans interested in supporting Wyoming student-athletes through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives, information is available at 1wyo.org. The program aims to promote charitable organizations and strengthen opportunities for student-athletes in Wyoming.
