McManamen Keys The Cowboys In Border War Breakthrough

Jason McManamen knocked down a big 3-pointer with 20 seconds left, and the Wyoming Cowboys beat the Colorado State Rams, 60-54, in Fort Collins Wednesday night.

Wyoming (14-2, 3-0) won their sixth straight and won for the first time at Moby Arena since 2009.

Cowboys head coach Larry Shyatt admitted that their plan wasn't for the three. It was to get the ball to the right side of the floor, but they couldn't. Thus, Josh Adams drove to the middle of the lane, drew a defender and kicked it out.

"When (Jason) McManamen's man came to help, it left him wide open. Now, you have to make the shot, but to get a good look like that is terrific."

Larry Nance Jr. scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds despite hobbling noticeably most of the game. Charles Hankerson Jr. and Adams chipped in 13 points apiece.

The Cowboys jumped out to a 43-30 lead early in the second half, but went cold after that. It allowed the Rams to chip away and get within a point with four minutes left.

Nance responded with a lay-up and a dunk for a 56-52 UW lead with 1:38 left. McManamen also came up with a key steal before his big shot.

Colorado State (14-2, 1-2) was led by J.J. Avila with 23 points, seven rebounds and four steals. They were held to 34 percent shooting from the field.

Shyatt added, "I don't think either team played as well as they would have liked or as well as they normally play."

Wyoming's 3-0 start to Mountain West play is their best start since 2003.

The Cowboys return home for their next two games. First up, the Boise State Broncos visit Laramie Saturday at 4 p.m.