The Cowgirls still cannot get a conference win on the road.
The University of Wyoming women’s basketball team, who are now 13-6 overall and 4-4 in Mountain West competition, reduced a second-half 19-point deficit to one, but fell short in the end to the Utah State Aggies 80-75.
Offensive balance was once again a problem for the Cowgirls; with junior forward Kayla Woodward and freshman center Kaylie Rader accounting for the vast majority of the Pokes’ first half points.
“I think that Utah State was the aggressor in the first half specifically in the first five to six minutes of the game.” said head coach Joe Legerski. “I talked to the team at halftime about being balanced like we were in the victory against Fresno State, and in the first half Kayla and Kaylie combined for 24 of our 28 points.”
The Cowgirls struggled to score early, allowing Utah State to spark a 9-0 run to start the game. Wyoming did not score until five minutes into the first half, when Rader hit a field goal.
The Aggies remained in control for the duration of the first half, ending the period on a 7-3 run. Utah State was up 43-28 at the half.
Utah State quickly grabbed their largest lead of the game (19) out of the half with two quick baskets. The Cowgirls managed to reply with a 10-2 run to cut their deficit to 11, 49-38 with 15:57 to play.
For the majority of the second half, the two teams traded scores until the Cowgirls charged back with a 9-3 run to come to within four, 63-59. The Aggies responded, reclaiming an eight-point lead.
From there, the Cowgirls charged back taking a 7-0 run to narrow the Aggies lead to one, 67-66 late in the game. Utah State increased their lead with some free throws, and the Cowgirls attempted to keep up, but eventually fell 80-75.
“We came back in the second half down 15 at the half and 19 in the second pulling to within one,” said Legerski. “We had two good looks at the basket with a three and a layup to go ahead. I was proud of what we accomplished in the second half and that was the team that has been showing up we just have to find a way to get over the hump.”
The Cowgirls were lead by Woodward, who recorded her fourth double-double of the season, with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Rader was the second-most prolific scorer for the Cowgirls, recording a career-high 18 points and seven rebounds.
Wyoming’s next game is Wednesday at home against the New Mexico Lobos. The game is set for 7 p.m.
