Senior night was bittersweet for the University of Wyoming women’s basketball team.
Despite a career-high 30-point performance from junior guard Kaitlyn Mileto, the Cowgirls lost to the Utah State Aggies 84-80 on Tuesday night in Laramie.
Senior guard Fallon Lewis had a strong outing in her final game in the Arena Auditorium, registering 24 points and 15 rebounds—her tenth double-double of the season.
“I told the team before we went out tonight, because there is so much emotion involved with senior night to be there for one another and make sure you put everything on the line,” said Wyoming head coach Joe Legerski. “Then at the end I joked with Fallon that she needed to start rebounding again because she hadn’t been the last couple of games. She showed up with 24 points and 15 rebounds. That’s what you ask of a senior and she answered the call.”
“It was an awesome game to play in and the fans made it exciting,” said Lewis. “We each made our runs, and we just fell short. It’s just a tough loss.”
Mileto did not waste any time putting up points, scoring the game’s first points on a three to give the Cowgirls the first lead of the game. From there, the two teams traded scores for several possessions before Utah State found an offensive rhythm and used an 8-0 scoring run to take a 29-19 lead.
The Aggies kept the Pokes offense in check for the majority of the first half, and finished the first half on an 8-3 run to take a 51-41 lead into halftime.
Utah State’s Jennifer Schlott, who led all scorers in the contest with 31 points, bolstered the Aggies offense in the first half with 27 points.
“Her first step is very quick, and if you lose her she’s going to get to the basket,” said senior guard Chelan Landry. “She was very tough to guard.”
The second half started slow offensively for both teams, with neither squad scoring until sophomore guard Marquelle Dent hit a shot at the 17:32 mark. The Cowgirls made things close early, launching a 10-4 run to come to within two, 58-56.
The Cowgirls then managed their first lead of the half on back-to-back threes from Mileto, 62-60 with 10:52 remaining in the contest.
Both teams exchanged scores after that and were tied at 66 apiece around the five-minute mark. After the two teams traded baskets again, Mileto hit a three to give the Cowgirls a 71-68 lead.
The Aggies then sparked a 12-5 run to take an 80-76 lead. The Cowgirls pulled to within two, 80-78 but the Aggies hit late free throws to finalize their 84-80 victory.
The Cowgirls will continue their season on tomorrow against the Colorado State Rams in Ft. Collins. The game is set for 7:00 p.m.
