Saturday, Dec. 9, the University of Wyoming men’s basketball team (6-3) took on the University of the Pacific Tigers (5-5), in the Dome of Doom. This is the first time the Tigers (who are from Stockton, California) have played in Wyoming since 1977, and they were looking for their first-ever win in the state.
Both teams started out hot from three-point range, within the first 5 minutes of the half the Pokes had made 3 three-pointers and the Tigers two. Alan Herndon, Alexander Aka Gorski and Cody Kelley had made the Cowboys three-pointers.With just over twelve minutes left in the game, the score was 14-11 in favor of Wyoming.
With just under 7 minutes left in the first half, the score was 25-16 Wyoming still on top. Kelley had added another 3 to his total and Louis Adams was able to score one also bringing the pokes total to 5 on the day. Hayden Dalton and Justin James both had three rebounds for the Pokes at this time.
The score at half still favored the Pokes with a score of 38- 34, the Tigers were able to make a 14-2 run during the last 7 minutes and pull ahead 29-27 at one point but the Cowboys finished the half strong. Herndon led the Pokes in scoring at the half with 14, Dalton lead in rebounds with 8, and Herndon and Aka Gorski were tied with assists at 2 a piece.
At a time of 15:27 Justin James had a steal and capitalized with a breakaway dunk for the Pokes. The score with 13 minutes left in the game was 54-45 Cowboys ahead after James converted an was fouled and converted an And 1.
Wyoming held onto the lead as the clock ticked down to 7 minutes. The score was 69-58. Herndon was still leading the Pokes in Total points with 21.
The Cowboys won the game with a final score of 86-72. Players who stood out for Wyoming were Herndon who finished with 21 points,6 rebounds, and 3 assists, Dalton who had 18 points, 10 rebounds and a block, and James with 14 points, 3 assists, and a steal. The Tigers remain winless in Wyoming.
The Pokes Nest game will be at 7 p.m. this Tuesday, Dec. 12, at home when they face off against the Eastern Washington Eagles.
