M’Baye Helps Cowboys Survive Falcons [VIDEO]
Behind a career high 27 points from Amath M'Baye, and a game-saving block by Adam Waddell, the Wyoming Cowboys held off a late charge by the Air Force Falcons for a 63-61 victory in Mountain West Conference action at the AA Wednesday night.
Waddell swatted the potential game-winning three by the Falcons' Zach Bohannon as time expired. It was one of 9 blocks by Wyoming in the game, which is a season-high.
Air Force pulled within one, at 62-61, on a Todd Fletcher corner jumper that was ruled a two after a lengthy review by the referees. M'Baye then hit the second of two free throws with 4.2 seconds on the clock. That put UW up 63-61.
Paco Cruz added 14 points, and Wyoming (10-17, 3-10) forced 19 Falcon turnovers.
Air Force (13-13, 4-9) was led by Tom Fow with 12 points and Michael Lyons with 11.
The Cowboys held a 53-42 lead with 6:33 left, but the Falcons used an 11-2 run and closed within two, at 55-53.
Wyoming struggled at the free throw line all game long. They were 12-of-28 for just 43 percent. UW missed 5-of-9 in the last 3:02, but found a way and held on for the 2-point victory.
After a quick 8-2 start to the game by the Cowboys, Air Force rallied within one at 14-13. The Pokes closed the first half on a 15-5 run, sparked by six points by M'Baye and two 3's by Arthur Bouedo, for a 29-18 lead at half.
Wyoming returns to action Saturday at UNLV. You can listen to the game on KCGY (FM 95.1), with coverage starting at 7:30 Saturday night. Tip-off is set for 8 pm from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.