Wyoming Falls To New Mexico 48-38

This was another hard fought game for the Cowboys against New Mexico. For the second time this season though the Lobos pulled away from Wyoming (18-6,4-4) over the final minutes. Even though the game ended with a 10 point spread it was a much closer contest then the final score. Wyoming led 23-19 at halftime in the grind it out contest. New Mexico (20-4,6-2) eventually was able to start hitting some shots in the second half and pulled away 29-15 in the second half.

Wyoming had the game close at 36-34 with 6:05 remaining. That was as close as the Cowboys would ever make it. This game is yet further evidence that the lack of depth on this team will make it hard for them to compete with the top teams in this conference. Only four players scored for the Pokes with Francisco Cruz leading the way with 14 points. Luke Martinez and Adam Waddell had nine points apiece. Leonard Washington only had six points but he did pull down 12 rebounds, Four of Waddell's points came in the final minutes, otherwise the Cowboys had lots of trouble trying to score inside.

JayDee Luster and Larry Nance Jr. were both scoreless on the night. Nance was 0 for 5 including a couple of forced jumpers that were off. This lack of depth could be a major issue in the Mountain West tournament in March. Playing back to back games is where the bench play is very important. The Cowboys have shown they can hang with any team in the conference thanks to their defense. However they aren't playing with as many contributors and can't get any real spark off the bench. The academic issue with Derrious Gilmore may be cleared up on Monday. Getting him back could be exactly what this team needed to jump start them over the final six games.

AWARDS

Cowboy Joe: Francisco Cruz hit four of his five attempts from behind the arc and led the Pokes with 14 points.

Cowboy Low: Crunch time offense. The Cowboys could not hit any shots when it mattered late in the game.

Cowboy Foe: Drew Gordon had a game high 13 rebounds and scored four points down the stretch to put the nail in the coffin of the Cowboys.