Sophomore guard Clara Tapia scored 18 points and had seven assists to help the Wyoming Cowgirls to a season opening 74-50 win over Chadron State Friday night.

Wyoming (1-0) took control in the third quarter. They out-scored the Eagles 23-7 in the frame and ended it on a 14-0 run. Tapia’s jumper with 6:09 left in the quarter began the spurt. Hailey Ligocki scored seven points in the stretch, while Riikka Kujala hit a 3-pointer and Rachelle Tucker added a pair of free throws.

The Cowgirls knocked down 13 three’s in the game, which included four from Tapia. Tucker finished with 11 points, while Ligocki and Liv Roberts added 10 points apiece. Wyoming shot 43 percent from the field and 39 percent beyond the arc. They had out-rebounded Chadron State 38-33, and UW had 19 assists on 27 field goals.

The Eagles were led by Erin Graham with a game-high 20 points. They shot 38.5 percent from the field and finished with 14 turnovers.

Chadron State made the first basket of the game, but a Tapia three-pointer gave Wyoming the lead for good. After a sluggish start, the Cowgirls led 19-13 on Natalie Baker’s three that ended the first quarter. UW out-scored the Eagles 15-14 in the second and were ahead 34-27 at halftime.

Wyoming is back in action for their second game of the season Sunday afternoon at Michigan State.

Tip-off is at noon, Mountain Time.

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