Cowboys Set New Standard of Perfection With Win At SMU

13-0 is now the answer to a trivia question. It happens to be the best record to ever start a single-season in Wyoming Cowboy basketball history. Behind Leonard Washington's 19 points and 11 rebounds, the Pokes found a way to remain undefeated on the season with a hard-fought 59-56 victory Wednesday night over the SMU Mustangs in Dallas, Texas.

Back-to-back 3-pointers by Washington ignited a key 10-2 run with six minutes left in the game. UW trailed 46-42 when Washington hit a pair of trey's. That was followed up by a Josh Adams dunk off a steal and dish from Derrious Gilmore. Washington added two free throws for a 52-48 lead.

SMU (10-6) rallied and tied the game at 54 and again at 56, as 1 minute remained. Washington hit 1-of-2 free throws after an offensive rebound, and that put the Cowboys ahead 57-56. He sealed it with a steal and dunk with 14 second left. The Mustangs committed two key turnovers in the final 20 seconds of action.

It was a close game the entire way. Neither team led by more than 5 points, and it featured 15 lead changes and 8 ties. UW trailed 29-27 at halftime.

Larry Nance, Jr. scored 12 points, while Adams added 11. Riley Grabau chipped in 9 points on three 3-pointers. Wyoming shot 20-44 (45.5%) from the floor. They were 7-19 (36.8%) from beyond the arc and went 12-21 (57.1%) at the free throw line. UW was also out-rebounded 31-24 in the contest, but they capitalized with 20 points off 15 SMU turnovers.

The Mustangs were led by Nick Russell with 17 points. Ryan Manuel and Cannen Cunningham added 15 and 14 points, respectively. SMU shot 22-47 (46.8%) on field goals, but were 0-5 from 3-point range. They finished 12-15 (80%) from the charity stripe.

Wyoming returns to action next Wednesday, January 9, 2013, as they open Mountain West Conference action by hosting Boise State at the Arena-Auditorium. Game time is set for 8 pm. You can listen to Cowboy basketball, followed by the first edition of "Cowboy Talk" for basketball season, on Y95 Country starting at 7:30 pm.