Aztecs Capitalize on Cowboys Offensive Woes
Poor shooting and turnovers led to the Wyoming Cowboys demise in a 77-68 loss at San Diego State Tuesday night.
Wyoming dropped its second straight game and third in its last four. The Cowboys shot just under 37 percent from the field and committed 17 turnovers that led to 25 points for the Aztecs.
UW head coach Allen Edwards said in a university release,
“San Diego State did a tremendous job of attacking and playing through contact and getting to the free throw line. We have to continue to get better and trust in the process. Turnovers allowed them to play in transition and they took advantage of that.”
San Diego State (12-9, 4-5) had four players in double figures led by Trey Kell with 18 points and Malik Pope with 17. The Aztecs shot 39 percent from the field, but went 24-29, 83 percent, at the foul line in the second half.
Wyoming (14-9, 4-6) was led by Justin James 20 points. Alan Herndon added 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The Pokes went seven minutes in the first half without scoring. San Diego State extended to a 28-11 lead. UW stormed back with a 16-3 run at the end of the half that pulled the Cowboys within 31-27 at halftime.
The Aztecs went on a 10-2 spurt that opened the second half. Wyoming went scoreless for three more minutes. UW tried to make a late push and got as close as seven on a Jeremy Lieberman three-pointer with just over a minute left. San Diego State went the final seven minutes without a field goal, but knocked down 18-of-22 free throws for the victory.
This was the ninth straight trip to Viejas Arena that resulted in a Wyoming loss.
The Cowboys stay on the road Saturday and play at Air Force. Game time is at 2 p.m. from Clune Arena.