A balanced scoring attack led by Kayla Woodward’s 22-point performance paced Wyoming in a 79-75 victory over New Mexico in Laramie on Wednesday night.
The Cowgirls 14-6 (5-4) out shot the Lobos 8-13 (3-7) 52 percent to 36 percent, but missed free throws and gave up turnovers to keep New Mexico in it till the end.
The Cowgirls took a 13-point lead with just under 15 minutes to play in the second half on a Fallon Lewis layup.
Just then, it looked as if Wyoming was going to pull away from New Mexico, but the Lobos went on a 12-0 tear to pull back within one.
From then on it was a closely contested game until 2:30 to play when Marquelle Dent took over and forced her way to the rim earning two free throws on two different occasions within a 30-second span. She’d make all four of those free throws to give the Cowgirls a nine-point lead.
Dent finished the game with 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists. “She’s just such a weapon,” said Coach Legerski. “Tonight she really got to the rim and was able to finish.”
Rebounding was key to the Cowgirls’ win Wednesday night. New Mexico was the bigger team and was very aggressive on the offensive glass but Wyoming held on, and was only out rebounded by one.
“They love rebounding and that’s why it’s always hard to find someone to box out,” said Kayla Woodward.” We hounded on it and we did rebounding drills all week in practice.”
As good as the Cowgirls were on the glass was equivalent to how much they struggled from the free throw line.
Wyoming shot 63 percent from the charity stripe going 24-38, while New Mexico shot 21-23 for 91 percent. Even though the Cowgirls struggled with free throws they were able to knock them down when it mattered most.
“We made free throws down the stretch,” Legerski said. “I thought New Mexico was excellent from the free throw line. “You find yourself sitting on the bench hoping for one to miss.”
The first half between the Cowgirls and Lobos was characterized by hot shooting from both teams. New Mexico actually made their first four three point attempts. Wyoming, however, was still able to take a six-point lead, 41-35, into the break.
Other Cowgirls scoring in double figures Wednesday night included Fallon Lewis with 16 points and Kaitlyn Mileto with 14.
The leading scorer for the Lobos was guard Antiesha Brown with 22, the only other Lobo to score in double figures was forward Deeva Vaughn with 16.
The Cowgirls will stay put in Laramie for their next contest, hosting UNLV on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. in the AA.
“It’s a little less stressful, being able to go to class, and not having to travel those long hours all the time,” said Woodward.
For more photos from the game, view our gallery.
