Get ready, basketball fans! The Wyoming Cowboys are gearing up for a showdown against South Dakota State, but this isn't just any game – it's a neutral-site battle set to ignite the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this coming Monday evening. This marks the final non-conference test for the Cowboys this season, making it a crucial moment to fine-tune their game before diving into the heart of conference play.
Catching the Action:
For those eager to follow every dribble and score, you've got options! You can tune into the game, follow live stats on GoWyo.com, or stream the action on Midco Sports Plus. And for the radio listeners, the Cowboy Sports Network will be broadcasting live across 26 affiliate stations. Keith Kelley will be on the call, with Kevin McKinney providing color commentary.
Team Spotlights:
Wyoming Cowboys: Riding high with an impressive 8-2 overall record, the Cowboys are coming off a dominant victory against South Dakota, with a score of 106-79 last Tuesday. They're leading the Mountain West Conference (MW) and rank 36th nationally, averaging a whopping 88 points per game! They've even crossed the 90-point mark in three of their last four games. Their shooting accuracy is also noteworthy, hitting 49.2% of their shots, placing them third in the conference. Defensively, they're holding opponents to a mere 41.4% from the field. Furthermore, the Cowboys are a force on the boards, grabbing 41 rebounds per game, which leads the conference and ranks 46th in the nation.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits: The Jackrabbits are holding their own with a 7-5 record, having won three of their last four games, including a recent 94-62 victory against Dakota Wesleyan. They average 74.3 points per game, while keeping their opponents to 65.9 points. They shoot at 45.7% from the field, with opponents shooting 40.2%. They are also strong rebounders, averaging 39.3 per game and boasting a positive rebounding margin of +8 this season.
Player Highlights:
Wyoming:
- Leland Walker: Leads the team with 14.1 points per game, along with 4 rebounds and 4 assists.
- Khaden Bennett: Contributes 10.4 points per game and tops the team with 4.7 rebounds and 17 steals.
- Nasir (Naz) Meyer: Adds 12.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, with a field goal percentage of 51%.
South Dakota State:
- Jaden Jackson: Scores 11.9 points per game, with 4.4 rebounds and 16 steals.
- Joe Sayler: Puts up 11.8 points per game and leads with 31 assists.
- Damon Wilkinson: Also scores 11.8 points per game, and leads the team with 6.6 rebounds, shooting an impressive 60.5% from the field.
Series History:
The Cowboys have a strong historical edge, with a 5-1 all-time record against the Jackrabbits, including a perfect 2-0 on neutral courts. Their last victory was on December 20, 2023, in the Sun Bowl Invitational in El Paso, with a score of 78-65.
Up Next:
The Cowboys will kick off conference play on Saturday, December 20, hosting Grand Canyon. This will be the first-ever conference clash between the two teams, with the game scheduled to start at 2 p.m. on the Mountain West Network.
So, what are your predictions for this game? Will Wyoming continue its winning streak, or will South Dakota State pull off an upset? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
