Laramie, Wyo. (Jan. 13, 2022) – The Wyoming Cowboys return to action for the first time in 2022 opening conference play against Utah State on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. on Stadium. It will mark the first game for the Brown and Gold with 20 days between games. Saturday is the start of a two-game road swing, as the Pokes will face Nevada on Monday at 6 p.m. MT on FS1.
Fans can listen to the contest, as well as follow stats on GoWyo.com. The contest will be broadcast live on radio over the 26 affiliate stations of the Cowboy Sports Network, as Reece Monaco will have the call with Kevin McKinney on color.
About The Teams
Wyoming finished non-conference play with an 11-2 record. The Pokes went 2-1 at the Diamond Head Classic earning the Consolation Championship, but since then the Cowboys have been waiting to play due to COVID-19 protocols. Wyoming had their conference opener postponed against Boise State followed by missing out contests against Nevada, Fresno State and San Diego State. The Cowboys are shooting 47 percent from the field on the season and holding opponents to 39 percent to rank second in the conference. The Pokes also take care of the basketball with 9.8 turnovers per game, which ranks first in the conference and No. 13 in the nation. The Pokes grab 36.5 rebounds per game to rank fifth in the conference.
The Aggies enter Saturday’s game with a 10-6 overall record, having lost two of their first three MWC games. Utah State owns an overtime road win at New Mexico and has lost its two league games — at Air Force and at Colorado State — by a combined seven points. The Aggies reside in the top three in the MWC in scoring offense at 77.7 points per game, and in the bottom three of the league, allowing 69.9 points per contest.
About The Players
Wyoming is led in scoring this season by forward Graham Ike at 19.5 points per game to rank fourth in the conference. He adds 8.4 rebounds per game to lead the team and rank fourth in the MW. Ike ranks first in the MW and No. 26 in the nation in free throws attempted with 92. Guard Hunter Maldonado adds 17.3 points per game, which ranks eighth in the conference. He also adds 5.9 assists per game to rank third in the MW and No. 18 in the nation. Guard Xavier DuSell adds 11.5 points per game and guard Drake Jeffries adds 10 points per game. The duo has combined for 75 three-pointers this season. Jeffries ranks sixth in the nation in three-point percentage at 48 percent.
The Aggies are unquestionably led by 2021 second-team All-MWC performer Justin Beam. The senior forward is averaging a double-double with 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. He ranks second in the conference in both points and rebounds. Brandon Horvath is the only other Utah State player averaging double figures at 13.1 points per game. Three other players average between 8.4-9.4 points per contest.
About The Series
Wyoming leads the all-time series with the Aggies 51-33, however, Utah State has claimed the last six in the series. The Pokes are 17-22 all-time in Logan with their last win occurring during the 2018 season.
Up Next
The Pokes remain on the road, traveling to Nevada on Monday for a 6 p.m. tip time against the Wolf Pack inside the Lawlor Events Center in a contest on FS1.
Cowboys back in action Saturday
