Fresno State Outlasts Wyoming in a Close-Contested Mountain West Opener
The Fresno State Bulldogs edged out the Wyoming Cowboys with a final score of 77-73, marking an intense start to the Mountain West Conference play. The Bulldogs now hold a record of 1-0 in conference games, while the Cowboys fall to 0-1.
In what was a closely fought contest at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, the Bulldogs demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen. After trailing at halftime with 33 points to the Cowboys' 40, they rallied back in the second half to add an impressive 44 points to their tally. The Bulldogs' offensive efforts were particularly notable for their efficiency from both two-point range, where they shot an outstanding 62 percent making 20 out of 32 attempts, and from the charity stripe with near perfection at a remarkable rate of 96 percent by sinking 22 free throws out of their total attempts.
Defensively, Fresno State managed eight steals contributing significantly to their total points off turnovers which amounted to fourteen. Their defensive rebounds were also key; collecting twenty-five throughout the game helped limit second-chance opportunities for Wyoming. Despite committing eighteen turnovers themselves and facing foul trouble that led one player being fouled out, Fresno State's tenacity never wavered.
The team's fast break execution was another highlight as they accumulated seventeen fast break points showcasing their ability to capitalize on transition opportunities effectively. Points in paint were also a strong suit for Fresno State as they racked up thirty-two thanks largely due to decisive moves around the basket.
On Wyoming's side, despite falling short on this occasion, there were several positive takeaways including eleven steals and six blocks showing glimpses of defensive prowess. They also had better success from beyond the arc compared to inside it; converting twelve three-pointers at an impressive rate of forty-six percent but struggled within two-point range where they only made eleven shots at thirty-seven percent accuracy.
Looking ahead after this hard-fought victory against Wyoming Cowboys, fans can anticipate watching Fresno State Bulldogs take on Utah State Aggies next week. This upcoming game is scheduled for March 14th at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas and will be broadcasted live on CBS Sports Network starting at noon Pacific Time.