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Lonnie Jackson unloaded with 21 points off seven 3s while Mikey Thompson and Anthony Drmic added 15 apiece as Boise State (15-5, 6-1) defeated Wyoming (10-11, 3-5) Saturday. Jason McManamen led Wyoming with 25 points in an inspiring effort to fill in for the team's leading scorer Josh Adams, who was suspended due to sportsmanship rules.
The final score does not tell the full story of how closely contested these two teams competed in Laremie. Although most expected Wyoming to come out flat with the loss of Josh Adams and his 23.9 points per game, the Cowboys fought every possession and led for the majority of the first half. A quick start eventually turned into a career day for junior guard Jason McManamen, who fell two rebounds short of a 25-10 performance.
Boise State also did not receive much production from its best player. James Webb III, was held to nine points on only 3-7 from the field, the first time in 11 games that the junior forward was unable to finish in double figures.
The emergence of Lonnie Jackson saved the day for the Broncos. Jackson could not be stopped from the perimeter, draining seven 3s which accounted for every point the BC transfer recorded in the victory. Although an extremely capable shooter, Jackson's performance Saturday was a bit surprising, given the fact that Jackson was held without a point in the last three games and was averaging 3.0 points per game in the last eight meetings.
Wyoming came into the game as one of the worst rebounding teams in the country (262nd in total rebounds) but controlled the boards for most of the afternoon, winning the rebounding battle by six. The Broncos made up for the rebounding margin, however, by forcing 13 Cowboy turnovers while only committing five, leading to a number of Boise State baskets.
With the road victory the Broncos will remain just a game behind the San Diego State Aztecs in the loss column in the Mountain West standings. Wyoming is now 3-5 in league play but should feel proud of the fight and effort that was on display Saturday at Arena-Auditorium.