January 8, 2024 |
Photo – Wyoming and New Mexico – Courtesy gowyo.com
Wyoming turnovers in the first half Saturday night in Albuquerque proved too much to overcome as the Cowboys fell 77-60 in The Pit.
At the half, the Cowboys had turned the ball over 18 times compared to New Mexico’s three. The Lobos made 20 points off those Cowboys turnovers. Out of sorts and unable to get into their offense, Wyoming was down by 17 points at the break. Forward Mason Walters got into foul trouble early and sat out most of the first half.
Wyoming settled down in the second half, and trimmed New Mexico’s lead to seven points a couple of times, but the damage had been done. New Mexico pulled away for the conference win.
Head coach Jeff Linder admitted the obvious in the post-game interview. Wyoming is not good enough to spot an opponent 17 points.
In the second half, Walters’ ball-handling skills and 6-foot-9-inch presence on the floor had a calming effect on the Pokes. Wyoming ran their offense effectively and cut the lead to seven times a couple of times. New Mexico’s quick and clever play in the first half proved too much to overcome. The Lobos pulled away late and took the contest and took the win 77-60.
The Pokes fall to 8-7 overall and 1-1 in conference play with the Lobos, who are receiving votes in both the Associated Press and Coaches Polls move to 13-2 overall and 1-1 in conference.
The Cowboys remain on the road heading to Utah State on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. start on the Mountain West Network.
