[su_heading size=”16″]This Saturday, the Wyoming men’s basketball team takes on the Nevada Wolf Pack in the Arena Auditorium at 2 p.m. The Cowboys lost their last meeting with the Wolf Pack 61-58. Below, the Branding Iron sports staff weighs in on Saturday’s game. Courtesy: gowyo.com Larry Nance Jr. dunks on Boise State during a Jan. 11, game Offensively, the Cowboys performed strong in their recent wins. Junior forward Larry Nance scored a game high of 20 points against Air Force; marking the fourth time Nance has scored at least 20 points. Sophomore Guard Josh Adams is also making big offensive contributions; Adams scored 17 points against Air Force.[/su_heading]
Adam Croft
In the first two weeks of Mountain West play; the Wolf Pack became media darlings. They won their first four games (one against Wyoming) after being picked to finish in the bottom of the conference. They were underestimated and had a chip on their shoulder, a dangerous combination.
Since then, the shine has worn off. Boise State proved the Nevada lineup’s mortality and Fresno State took them to double overtime.
In the meantime, Wyoming has been on the rise with three state conference wins, including a close contest against Boise State.
They’ve also learned their lesson about underestimating the Wolf Pack. The Cowboys should come ready to play on Saturday, especially after their win last weekend against the Air Force Falcons.
Defense at the one and two positions will be key for the Pokes, as Nevada’s Deonte Burton has been a consistent threat for the Wolf Pack.
The Cowboys’ guards have been solid defensively recently, particularly Charles Hankerson Jr. and Jerron Granberry coming off the bench. They should be just fine. It will be a close game, but I think the Cowboys will come out on top.
Prediction: Cowboys, 64-58
Kendyll Ferrall
The Wyoming Cowboys will be seeking retribution this Saturday as they take on the Nevada Wolf Pack for the second time this month.
After suffering a three-point loss to the Wolf Pack earlier in January, the Cowboys are better prepared to face off against the third ranked team in the Mountain West.
Since their last meeting, the Cowboys are riding a three-conference game win streak while the Wolf Pack is looking to get back on track after Boise State snapped their five-game win streak last week.
Regardless of Wyoming’s recent success, the Cowboys should come ready to play this Saturday, especially defensively. Senior Guard Deonte Burton, the Wolf Pack’s lead scorer, scored 32 points in their last game against Fresno State and Sophomore Forward Cole Huff scored 31 points, a career high for both players.
Offensively, the Cowboys performed strong in their recent wins. Junior forward Larry Nance scored a game high of 20 points against Air Force; marking the fourth time Nance has scored at least 20 points. Sophomore Guard Josh Adams is also making big offensive contributions; Adams scored 17 points against Air Force.
Prediction: Cowboys, 66-62
