Get ready for an exciting basketball showdown as the Wyoming Cowboys gear up for their first Mountain West Conference game! The stage is set for a thrilling encounter against Grand Canyon University on Saturday afternoon.
This highly anticipated match marks the inaugural conference meeting between these two schools, promising an intense battle on the court. Fans can tune in to the action through various channels, including GoWyo.com, where they can watch, listen, and follow stats in real-time. The game will also be broadcast live on radio across 26 affiliate stations of the Cowboy Sports Network, with Keith Kelley providing play-by-play commentary and Kevin McKinney adding color commentary.
But here's where it gets even more exciting! The brand-new Pokes Party Zone inside the Arena-Auditorium is the place to be. With free access using your game ticket, this vibrant and high-energy area offers impeccable game views. And the perks don't stop there - enjoy happy hour beer pricing throughout the game, exclusive giveaways, and the chance to win fan prizes all season long. It's the perfect spot to cheer on your team and create unforgettable memories.
If you're looking for tickets, there are multiple options available. Visit GoWyo.com/tickets, send an email to tickets@uwyo.edu, call (307) 766-7220, or stop by the UW Athletics Ticket Office on the west side of the Arena-Auditorium, located at the corner of Willett Drive and 19th Street. Don't miss out on this exclusive offer - the Holiday Ticket Package is now available, starting at just $40. This package includes a game ticket and an exclusive holiday sweater, which must be picked up at the game on Saturday. Act fast, as this offer is going quickly!
Now, let's delve into the teams and players set to take center stage.
Wyoming Cowboys:
The Cowboys enter the contest with an impressive 9-2 overall record, having defeated South Dakota State 87-72 on Monday. They lead the conference in scoring, averaging a remarkable 87.9 points per game, and are a defensive force, allowing only 71.7 points per night. Wyoming's shooting accuracy is on point, with a 49.6% field goal percentage, ranking third in the MW. They also excel in holding opponents to a mere 41.3% shooting percentage. The Pokes are a threat from beyond the arc, shooting 36.6% from three-point range, and they dominate the boards, grabbing an average of 40.7 rebounds per game, ranking first in the conference and 41st in the nation. In total, UW boasts top-three rankings in 14 different statistical categories in the MW, showcasing their all-around prowess.
Grand Canyon Lopes:
The Lopes, with a 6-4 overall record this season, are set to make their debut as members of the MW. They average 74.9 points per game and score 67.7 points per night. Grand Canyon is a solid shooting team, hitting 43.4% from the field and holding opponents to 42.9%. But their real strength lies in free throw shooting, where they excel with a 76.3% success rate, averaging 16.7 free throws made per game. The Lopes also dominate the boards, grabbing 38.1 rebounds per game, and dish out 14.3 assists per night.
Key Players:
For Wyoming, Leland Walker leads the team in scoring with 14 points per game and also dishes out a team-high 4.1 assists per game, ranking sixth in the conference. Nasir (Naz) Meyer contributes 13.5 points per game and grabs 4.8 rebounds per game. He's on fire from the field, shooting 53.5% and has scored an impressive 51 points in his last two games. Khaden Bennett adds 10.5 points per game and leads the team with 5.1 rebounds per night, while also ranking second on the team with 32 assists this season.
Grand Canyon is led by Jaden Henley, who averages 16.6 points per game and has made 53 free throws this season, shooting an impressive 85.5% from the line. He also contributes 4.5 rebounds per game. Makaih Williams adds 10.7 points per game and is tied for the team lead with 2.4 assists per game. Caleb Shaw chips in with 10 points per game and has made 15 three-pointers. Nana Owusu-Anane rounds out the starting five, contributing 9.5 points per game and leading the team with 9.6 rebounds per game.
The Series:
This Saturday's game will be the third meeting between the Cowboys and Lopes. Wyoming holds a 1-1 record against Grand Canyon, with both teams earning wins on the road in 2021 and 2022. It's anyone's game, and the series is tied heading into this crucial conference matchup.
Up Next:
After this thrilling encounter, the Cowboys hit the road to face Air Force on December 30th at 2 p.m. inside Clune Arena. Will Wyoming continue their winning ways, or will Grand Canyon pull off an upset? Find out this Saturday!
Don't miss this exciting conference opener! Join the Cowboys and be a part of the action. See you there!
