The Wyoming Cowboys dominated the court, outpacing the South Dakota State Jackrabbits with a final score of 87-72. This victory marked a successful non-conference slate for the Cowboys, who finished 9-2 after the win. The game, played on December 15, 2025, at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, showcased the Cowboys' prowess. Head coach Sundance Wicks emphasized the importance of road wins, stating, 'The job is not done, and we have to prove we can go on the road and win a game.'
The Cowboys' strong start was evident, with a 9-of-10 performance from the field in the opening minutes. They maintained a double-digit lead throughout the first half, despite a brief slump where the Jackrabbits went on a 7-0 run. The Cowboys' resilience was showcased through their unselfish play and strong guard performance, putting pressure on the Jackrabbits early on. Nasir (Naz) Meyer led the Cowboys with 25 points, including 10 field goals and four three-pointers. Khaden Bennett contributed 11 points and nine rebounds, while Leland Walker added 13 points and five assists.
The game's first half was a tight affair, with both teams struggling to score in the early minutes. However, the Cowboys' 6-0 run in the paint and Damarion Dennis' and-one play helped them take a 16-6 lead. The Jackrabbits responded with a 7-0 run, narrowing the gap to 20-15. The Cowboys' shooting slump continued, going scoreless for 10 minutes, but they recovered with a 29-17 lead by the six-minute mark. The Cowboys' shooting percentage in the first half was an impressive 55%.
The second half saw the Cowboys extend their lead to 48-31, with Meyer and Saxon contributing crucial points. A 6-0 run and a triple from Bennett pushed the lead to 54-33. The Jackrabbits made a 9-0 run, reducing the deficit to 61-47, but Walker's timely three-pointer halted their momentum. The Cowboys then went on a 10-0 run, taking a 74-52 lead with six minutes remaining. Despite the Jackrabbits' efforts, the Cowboys' pressure and strong play in the paint secured their 87-72 victory.
The Jackrabbits were led by Kalen Garry and Jaden Jackson, who each scored 15 and 14 points, respectively, with four three-pointers each. The Cowboys' conference play begins on Saturday, hosting Grand Canyon at 2 p.m. in the Arena-Auditorium.
