LARAMIE – The Wyoming Cowboys rallied together for a gritty 93-80 comeback victory against Dartmouth, even as illness swept through their roster. Coach Sundance Wicks called it a “gutsy” performance in front of a lively crowd of 3,422 at the Arena-Auditorium.
Leland Walker led the team with 18 points, shooting 8-for-12. Adam Harakow added 16 points, hitting key shots in the second half. Khaden Bennett contributed 14 points and five steals, showing that the team could still thrive despite health challenges.
“We’ve got a resilient group,” Wicks said. “These guys never underestimate each other. They find ways to win.”
Most of the players who were ill were off the bench, but freshman guard Nasir (Naz) Meyer stood out. He grabbed eight rebounds and scored 14 points, helping secure the rebounding edge for Wyoming.
This win marked a step forward for the Cowboys (7-2), especially after their narrow loss to No. 20 Texas Tech. They felt they could have won that game too, and it showed in their performance against Dartmouth.
Interestingly, despite allowing 12 three-pointers and watching Dartmouth shoot 48% from beyond the arc, Wyoming found the energy for a late-game surge. Walker shared that the team focused on putting their setbacks behind them.
The game atmosphere was electric, reminding fans of the old days when the Arena felt unstoppable. Wicks noted the crowd’s support felt larger than life, celebrating the return of the home court vibe.
The Cowboys will face South Dakota next in their final non-conference home game on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
In recent sports trends, home court advantage remains a vital factor in basketball success. Research from the NCAA shows that teams typically perform better at home, often influenced by fan support and familiarity with the environment. This could bode well for Wyoming as they strengthen their team dynamics.
For more insights on Wyoming athletics, you can follow Ryan Thorburn on X and keep an eye on the excitement building for the next game.
