Wyoming Cowboys Cruz to Second Victory 75-56 over Northern Colorado

Behind a career-high 30 points from Francisco "Pako" Cruz, the Wyoming Cowboys earned their second win of the season Tuesday night at the Arena-Auditorium, 75-56 over the Northern Colorado Bears.  Cruz surpassed his previous career-high of 21 points set last season against Colorado State.

Cruz went 6-of-10 from the field, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range and was 16-20 at the foul line for his career high.  Pako also added five rebounds, two assists and two steals.  Adam Waddell finished with 16 points and Luke Martinez contributed 11.

Paul Garnica led the Bears with 18 points, while Tim Huskisson scored 10 points.

After a slow start where UW trailed 7-0, they out-scored Northern Colorado 32-7 over the last 15:51 of the first half for a 32-14 edge at halftime.  The Cowboys forced 14 UNC turnovers and ended the half on a 21-2 run.  Cruz had 16 points by the break.

Wyoming (2-0) controlled the second half thanks to 57 percent shooting from the field and 17-of-21 from the foul line.  The Bears (0-2) managed to only pull within 13 points twice the rest of the way.

The game saw the two teams combine for 58 fouls and 71 free throw attempts.  That led to no flow for either team in the second half.  UNC reached the bonus with 14 minutes left, while the Cowboys hit the bonus with 9:12 remaining.  Both teams were in double bonus with 8:36 to play.

Wyoming shot 46.5 percent from the field and 78.4 percent at the foul line, where they went 29-of-37 in the game.  Northern Colorado was held to 37.5 percent shooting, but did out-rebound the Pokes, 30-to-28.

The Cowboys return to action Saturday with their first road game of the season in Wisconsin against Green Bay.  Game time is at 6 pm, Mountain time with coverage on KCGY (FM 95.1) beginning at 5:30 pm.