Another Overtime Loss for Wyoming to New Mexico

In a battle to the very end, the Wyoming Cowboys came up short in overtime to the New Mexico Lobos for the second time this season. The Lobos pulled out a 66-61 victory in overtime Wednesday night in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Wyoming (14-8, 5-4) had a chance to win the game at the end of regulation, but Larry Nance's shot on a step-back jumper in the lane was too strong. New Mexico out-scored UW 9-4 in the extra session and held on for the win. The Pokes also lost to UNM in overtime on January 8, 72-69, in Laramie.

The Cowboys had forced OT with two big 3-pointers by Charles Hankerson, Jr. and Jerron Granberry in the final 1:48. Hankerson's came with less than five seconds left on the shot clock and from about 25 feet out. Granberry's was contested three on the left wing with 53 seconds left that put UW up 57-55.

The Lobos got the tying basket from Cameron Bairstow on a jumper in the paint with 33 seconds left in regulation.

The game was tight throughout. Neither team led by more than four points in regulation, and the biggest margin was the final one of five points. The game also featured 23 lead changes and nine ties.

New Mexico (18-4, 9-1) was led by Bairstow, who had 23 points and 11 rebounds. Alex Kirk scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Kendall Williams added 13 points. The Lobos were 23-54 (42.6%) from the field, 1-10 (10%) from 3-point range and 19-26 (73.1%) at the line. New Mexico out-rebounded Wyoming 43-22. One key was the Lobos' 16 offensive rebounds that led to 17 second chance points.

UW was led by Riley Grabau with 12 points, while Nance, Hankerson and Nathan Sobey added 10 points apiece. The Pokes were 24-54 (44.4%) from the floor, 7-19 (36.8%) from deep and only 6-9 (66.7%) at the stripe.

The Cowboys still have not won at The Pit in Albuquerque since 2003.

Next up for Wyoming is another road game at UNLV on Saturday, February 8. The game is scheduled for an 8 p.m. start.