Wyoming began the season under first-year head coach Allen Edwards with three-straight wins (3-0 ATS) before suffering its first loss, 73-65, at the hands of Pacific on about two days ago.
Both teams shot below 35 percent from the floor, including 9-of-45 combined from down town. The Tigers, however, executed better offensively, particularly in the second half where they made some key baskets and plays to escape with the win.
Senior guard Jason McManamen went 16-of-16 in the charity stripe, finishing with a game-high of 23 points along with five rebounds for the Cowboys, whose defense has held opponents to shoot just 36.9 percent on average. They’re next assignment is road game with California, which is also seeking to bounce-back from a loss to San Diego State.
The two programs are pretty much even in terms of scoring and defense, but rebounding is an area where the Golden Bears have the advantage on. They’re nearly grabbing 50 rebounds per contest, while Wyoming is a few boards short of 40 a game.
The Cowboys’ solid frontcourt that’s helmed by Jordan Naughton, Alan Herndon and Hayden Dalton, all of whom are snatching six or more rebounds per game, better not let the California bigs bully them under the rim.
California received its first loss of the season on Monday night to San Diego State, 77-65. It was a rough shooting performance for the Golden Bears, who shot just 23.1 percent in the first 15 minutes. They did make things interesting with a late run in the second half, which was mostly thanks to the Aztec’s own shooting woes.
That loss could hurt California come Selection Sunday, but the return of Ivan Rabb gives the team something to smile about. The sophomore forward recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds in his season debut after missing the first two games with an injured toe. He still needs a few more games to get back into game shape, though.
Freshman point guard Charlie Moore also needs to get back to how dominant he was prior to the loss to San Diego State. He erupted for 38 points on 50 percent shooting in the win over UC Irvine before being limited to 17 points in 28 minutes due to foul trouble. A big-time output from him, as well as Rabb, should power the Golden Bears to a win over Wyoming later.
California’s won the last four meeting with the Cowboys.
