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Wyoming edged their arch rival Colorado State 83-76 Saturday afternoon in Laramie behind a second half surge. The Cowboys raced out of the gates with a 9-0 second half run to go up 41-32 and never looked back.After a good half of containing Josh Adams, Colorado State's defense could just not stop the senior from scoring.
Adams finished with 26 points in the second half alone, going 8-for-14 through many facets: layups, three pointers, free throws and of course his masterful jumper.The closest the Rams would get it down to was four after a three pointer from Emmanuel Omogbo at the 6:31 mark made it 61-57. The Cowboys responded immediately on the next two possessions, converting two free throws, and then stealing the ball leading a transition dunk and momentum swing.Anton Scott led the way for Colorado State with 19 points.
Forward Tiel Daniels had an impressive double-double for the Rams with 15 points and 12 rebounds.Although the visiting Rams did not capitalize on opportunities at the line, missing 13 free throws, 17 of 30 (57.6 %), while not ever finding a consistent rhythm in their half-court offense. CSU recorded a horid 6 assists in the entire game, relying a ton on individual basketball.Both teams brought intensity to the 224th border rivalry meeting.
Forty-nine fouls were called in total, summarizing a chippy game that dictated much of the pace.Wyoming got contribution from players not named Josh Adams. Guard Jason McManamen connected on a career best five three pointers while forward Alan Herndon got into double figures with 10 points.Colorado State forward Emmanuel Omoghbo received warming support from Wyoming fans Saturday. This was Omoghbo's second game since learning his father, mother, and sister's twins died from a house fire.
The Cowboys avoided a three game losing streak at home, while improving to 4-6 in the Mountain West play and (11-12 overall. The Rams continue to battle since losing leading scorer Gian Clavell to a broken hand on December 19th. The loss dropped them to .500 (4-4) in conference and 12-9 overall.A moment of silence was taken to remember former Wyoming star Kenny Sailors who passed away early Saturday morning in Laramie at the age of 95. Sailors is arguably the greatest player ever to wear a Cowboys uniform, and was a tremendous ambassador of the game.
Sailors led Wyoming to their one National Championship in 1943 while also being known for pioneering the modern jump shot.The Rams have possibly the toughest turnaround a team can make in the Mountain West with a road matchup verse the San Diego Aztecs in their sights.Next on the schedule for Wyoming is a trip to Colorado Springs to face off with Air Force.