San Diego State guard Jamaal Franklin brushes Cowboy guard Arthur Bouedo while attempting to rebound the ball during the Cowboy's 52-42 loss last night in the Arena Auditorium. (Photo: Edward Timmons)
This was a game he felt they should have won, but instead found themselves at the wrong end of a 52–42 game that, for most the second half, was lopsided.
“That was a disappointing night, both halves,” Shyatt said. “We were fortunate to be down only a bucket at halftime… I am very disappointed in our team—not our effort, but our team. I feel like we helped them beat us.”
It was a game of two halves. The Cowboys were able to strike first with a Luke Martinez three-pointer which was answered by a pair of buckets by SDSU. The largest lead throughout the first 12 minutes of the game was only four points by UW. With 7:59 left on the clock for the first half, SDSU took off for a 10-0 run. The Cowboys were able to score the last four points of the first half but still found themselves down 22–25 going into the second half.
Leonard Washington led the Cowboys with 10 points and five rebounds. The Cowboys struggled in all aspects of shooting, 36.4 percent from the field and only 21.4 percent (3/14) from behind the arc. Fourteen of the Cowboys’ 22 shots came from long range. San Diego State only took 20 shots but was able to connect on nine of them.
The second half seemed to be one-sided as SDSU started the first eight minutes with a 13–2 run making the score 26-41. SDSU would not relinquish a double-digit lead for the rest of the game.
Wyoming had a tough night shooting the basketball as they started the second half by shooting 4 of 15 from the field through the first 12 minutes. SDSU would push their lead to 15 points and coast to a 10 point victory, 52–42.
“I thought we self destructed on offense tonight,” Shyatt said. “I saw a lot of (forced shots).”
Wyoming shot just 30.6 percent from the field, including the starters going just 12–42 from the field, scoring 36 points. As a team, the Cowboys connected on five of their 22 three point attempts for 22.7 percent.
Washington again led the way for the Cowboys with 12 points and eight rebounds. Martinez added 11 points on 4–12 shooting.
Wyoming’s defense did only allow 52 points to SDSU. San Diego State had a season high 19 turnovers, but the defensive effort was not enough for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys will have just four days until they hit the road to Boise, Idaho to face Boise State University.
“We’re going to bounce back, I believe that,” Martinez said. “We will bounce back and have the edge next game.”
The game is scheduled to tip at 1:30 p.m. and will be televised on the Mountain Sports Network.
