Cowboys win overtime Border War clash with CSU

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University of Wyoming photo

February 1, 2022 — Wyoming senior guard Hunter Maldonado, fresh off a buzzer beater at Air Force, recorded a career-high 35 points to lead the Cowboys past Colorado State 84-78 Monday night in Laramie. The win kept the Pokes in sole possession of second place in the Mountain West with a 6-1 record (17-3 overall). CSU fell to 6-3 in the conference (16-3 overall).

At the end of regulation, the game was tied a 70-70 and still tied at 76-76 with 1:27 to go in the overtime when the Pokes put the game away with an 8-2 run. It was Wyoming’s second overtime win of the year.

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“What can you say,” UW head coach Jeff Linder said. “That was an incredible college basketball game between two very good teams, who know each other really well. To find a way to win that game in front of that crowd was a great performance by our guys.” Linder added, “That crowd tonight is one of the reasons I wanted to come to Wyoming. I know what this place can be like when you put a good team on the floor. Thanks to all the Wyoming fans and to all the students. They were all great tonight, and we’re going to need them every night. I thought our guys did a nice job of handling the excitement and embracing the atmosphere.”
 
Maldonado career night was highlighted by a 12-of-19 from the field and 10-of -11 from the free-throw line. He also added seven assists and had his hand in 19 of Wyoming’s 28 baskets. Graham Ike, who fouled out in the overtime period, added 16 points along with Drake Jeffries.

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Ike, made two free throws to give the Pokes 70-69 lead with:06 to go in regulation. The Rams’ David Roddy was fouled with one second on the clock. He made the first to tie the contest but missed the second. Wyoming would rebound the missed free throw to send the game into overtime. Roddy would lead CSU in scoring with 23 points before founding out in overtime.
 
Wyoming will now host league-leading Boise State (8-0 in the MW, 17-4 overall)on Thursday night. The game will be broadcast on WyoRadio’s 99.7 JACK-FM and 99KSIT.com beginning at 6:30 p.m. with tip-off at 7 p.m.