The Wyoming Cowgirls suffered their first loss of the season Sunday at No. 22 Michigan State 63-51.

Wyoming (1-1) trailed 25-23 at halftime. The Spartans scored the first seven points of the second half and led 32-23. The Cowgirls failed to get any closer than six the rest of the way.

In a release from the University of Wyoming, Head coach Joe Legerski said,

“I told the team at the end of the game that coaching is a difficult profession. You can win by 22 and not be happy with the performance or take a loss like today, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Legerski referring to his squads’ effort and competitiveness.

Marta Gomez led the way with 15 points and six rebounds. Rachelle Tucker and Taylor Rusk added eight points apiece. The Cowgirls shot 40.5 percent from the field. They out-rebounded the bigger Michigan State team 32-29.

The Spartans were led by Tori Jankoska, who scored a game-high 22 points. Taya Reimer added 16 points and seven rebounds. Michigan State shot 39 percent from the field.

Wyoming held an 11-7 lead early, but the Spartans scored 13 straight. The Cowgirls responded with a 12-3 spurt and tied it a 23. A basket by Michigan State inside the final minute of the half gave them the two-point lead at the break.

UW returns home for their next action. The Cowgirls host Denver Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

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