Wyoming Cowboys Dominate South Dakota State in High-Scoring Showdown
In a thrilling display of offensive firepower, the Wyoming Cowboys galloped past the South Dakota State Jackrabbits with an 87-72 victory at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on December 15, 2025. This neutral-site win marked a significant milestone for the Cowboys, who finished their non-conference schedule with an impressive 9-2 record, setting the stage for a promising conference run.
But here's where it gets controversial... While the Cowboys' performance was undeniably strong, some might argue that the Jackrabbits' reliance on three-pointers (hitting 10 of them) exposed a potential weakness in Wyoming's defense. Could this be a chink in their armor as they head into conference play? Only time will tell.
The Cowboys came out of the gates blazing, starting the game with an astonishing 9-of-10 shooting from the field. This early dominance set the tone for the rest of the match, as Wyoming maintained a double-digit lead for most of the game. Nasir (Naz) Meyer, the reigning Mountain West Freshman of the Week, led the charge with 25 points, showcasing his versatility by going 10-of-14 from the field, grabbing seven rebounds, and sinking four three-pointers. His performance was a testament to the team's unselfish play and relentless pressure on both ends of the court.
And this is the part most people miss... While Meyer's performance stole the spotlight, it was the Cowboys' collective effort that truly sealed the deal. Khaden Bennett's 11 points and team-leading nine rebounds, coupled with Leland Walker's 13 points and five assists, demonstrated the depth and balance of this Wyoming squad. Even Matija Belic contributed significantly with 10 points and six rebounds, proving that the Cowboys are far from a one-man show.
Wyoming's head coach, Sundance Wicks, emphasized the importance of this win, stating, 'I told our guys today the job is not done, and we have to prove we can go on the road and win a game.' This victory not only validated their ability to perform away from home but also served as a crucial precursor to conference play. 'This group is connected and cares about winning,' Wicks added, highlighting the team's chemistry and determination.
The Cowboys' dominance was evident in their shooting efficiency, as they shot 54% from the field compared to the Jackrabbits' 40%. Wyoming also controlled the boards, out-rebounding South Dakota State 38-21, a statistic that often goes unnoticed but is crucial in determining the outcome of close games. Additionally, the Cowboys' free-throw shooting was nearly flawless, going 17-of-20 from the line, including a perfect 14-of-17 in the second half.
Despite the Jackrabbits' efforts, led by Kalen Garry's 15 points and Jaden Jackson's 14 points, they couldn't keep pace with Wyoming's relentless offense. South Dakota State's 9-0 run in the second half briefly narrowed the gap, but the Cowboys responded with a 10-0 run of their own, effectively shutting down any hopes of a comeback.
As the Cowboys prepare to open conference play against Grand Canyon on Saturday, questions linger. Can they maintain this level of performance against tougher opponents? Will their defense tighten up against teams that exploit their potential weaknesses? These are the debates that will keep fans engaged as the season progresses.
What do you think? Is Wyoming a legitimate contender in the Mountain West, or do they still have work to do? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let the discussion begin!
