Chaundra Sewell Powers Cowgirls to First Win

Behind a career-high 30 points from Chaundra Sewell, the Wyoming Cowgirls found a way to earn their first win of the 2011-12 season, with a 69-61 victory over the Chadron State Eagles Thursday night at the Arena-Auditorium.  Sewell answered a big challenge by the Eagles, as she scored the Cowgirls first 12 points of the second half to push UW to the win.

Sewell went 11-of-16 from the field and also grabbed 10 rebounds for her second career double-double.  Ashley Sickles finished with 13 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Kaitlin Petri scored 18 points to lead Chadron State.

An almost eight minute drought by Wyoming (1-2) to start the second half nearly cost the Cowgirls.  Chadron State (0-2) got right back in the game thanks to a 12-0 run and tied it at 36 with 13 minutes left.

Sewell ignited an 18-4 run, and UW regained control at 54-40 with 7:23 remaining.

The Eagles still hung around thanks to 12 points from Petri, two 3-pointers from Dallas Shaw and a three by Lexi Smidt in the last seven minutes.  Chadron State was able to pull within seven at 66-59 with 43.6 seconds left, but three free throws by Sickles finished up the Cowgirl victory.

The Cowgirls jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead, but Chadron State kept within reach thanks to three early 3-pointers.  Wyoming stretched out to 24-15 lead, but the Eagles closed within 26-20.  UW closed the first half on a 10-4 run for a 36-24 lead at halftime.

The Cowgirls shot 39 percent from the field and 74 percent from the foul line.  They also forced 20 Chadron State turnovers.  The Eagles shot 38 percent and out-rebounded UW 40-33.

Wyoming returns to action next Friday, November 25 at the Loyola Marymount Tournament in Los Angeles.  Their first game is against Northern Iowa and tip-offs at 4 pm, Mountain time.  Cowgirl basketball can be heard on KOWB (AM 1290) next Friday starting at 3:30 pm.