The Cowboys men’s basketball team fought back from a 10-point deficit with 10 minutes left in the game, but fell short of completing the comeback falling 78-73 to Colorado State on Feb. 14 in the Arena-Auditorium.
Guard Justin James led the Pokes with 23 points on the evening, good for his seventh 20-point game of the season. Forward Alan Herndon recorded his third double-double of the season with 15 points and a career high 12 rebounds.
“I thought the second half our players did a better job of executing the game plan,” head coach Allen Edwards said. “In the first half, our guys looked like they were waiting for something good to happen and they didn’t have the energy I expect from them. I’ve continued to tell them throughout this season that they can’t worry so much about what is happening on the offensive end of the court. We have to go out and play hard from the start of the game, and if we do that we’ll be fine.”
Guard Lou Adams cut CSU’s lead to one point with 1:03 remaining in the second half, but Rams guard Prentiss Nixon hit a three pointer with 34 seconds to bring the lead to four. The Cowboy cut the lead to 73-71 but Colorado State hit late free throws to earn their seventh win in their last eight games.
Wyoming was held to 36 percent from the field and 31 percent from three despite opening the game by going 6-9 from three. Colorado State became the first team to shoot at least 50 percent from the field in the first half this season in conference play, finishing the game at 42 percent.
“We’re in conference so there’s good teams everywhere we play,” James said. “There’s always good players on the court, so we need to fasten in on defense and make sure those plays don’t happen.
The Cowboys were outrebounded 45-42 on the evening. The Cowboys only had eight turnovers, marking the first time this season they’ve been under 10 turnovers in two straight games.
The Rams built a 54-45 lead eight minutes into the second half, but UW continued to battle back to 67-65 during a run where they held CSU scoreless for over two minutes. After the Nixon three pointer, Colorado State hit five free throws to seal their 78-73 win.
The Pokes will return to action on Feb. 18 as they face Boise State at 4 p.m. The game will be televised on ROOT Sports.
