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In preparation for the match, Wyoming’s rookie coach Sundance Wicks provided his squad with a history lesson, as most of them, like him, had not experienced the rivalry game against Colorado State.
Wicks aimed to illustrate that these games are hard-fought until the very end, particularly referencing last year’s matchup at the Arena Auditorium, where the Cowboys executed an incredible comeback in the closing moments of regulation, ultimately winning in overtime. A team that was struggling triumphed over a team bound for the NCAA Tournament, further adding to the narrative of rivalry games.
History indicates that games at the AA are closely contested: Of the last 13 games held at that venue, all but one were decided by nine points or fewer.
On Saturday, Colorado State coach Niko Medved assumed the role of a guest educator, reminding everyone present that regardless of predicted outcomes, there are exceptions. Saturday’s 79-63 triumph showcased this notion.
Disregard last year’s events, even last week’s. Let others discuss; you play. Rectify the mistakes you can, and when all is said and done, the Rams achieved their third Mountain West road victory, surpassing their total from the previous season.
“Ultimately, it’s part of the joy of college sports. We discussed that,” Medved expressed, as his team improved to 11-7 overall, 5-2 in conference play. “We emphasize how significant it is for the fans and for legacies. A player like Jalen Lake has been here and hasn’t experienced victory. In the end, the game is determined on the court. The athletes decide these outcomes. I believed we didn’t want to dwell on (the discussions); we merely aimed to concentrate on what we had to accomplish.”
First, they aimed to assert what they believed was an advantage inside. Jaylen Crocker-Johnson took this upon himself, securing good early opportunities near the basket and converting all of them. Wyoming made adjustments, and although his chances were more restricted as the game went on, he finished with 11 points after sinking his initial four shots.
In the contest, Colorado State recorded 38 points in the paint, which would set up further opportunities outside, and the physical style of play was evident on both ends of the court.
“Coach and I had a discussion before the game, to be the more physical presence on the court, just to dominate in any way possible,” Crocker-Johnson stated. “Securing those easy opportunities to establish the tone was beneficial.
“Our strategy was clear: we mustn’t allow them easy 3s, no straightforward looks, and make everything challenging. Tonight, we executed our strategy, kept playing the way we were supposed to, and ultimately performed well.”
From Clifford’s view, Crocker-Johnson’s early contributions set a standard for the team. In the first half, the Rams utilized this to forge a double-digit advantage, although the Cowboys managed to cut it down to eight by halftime.
The Rams eventually extended their lead back into the teens, and just as it seemed the game was tilted in their favor, the hosts capitalized on CSU errors, and Obi Agbim made a 3-pointer (part of a 26-point evening) to narrow the margin to 3 with 13:58 left.
Set aside historical context. Medved and the Rams sought a revision.
“It’s happened this season. Teams will make runs. During the timeout, we had two very careless turnovers; they made a 3, but I felt the mentality was positive,” Medved recalled. “Nique right there said, ‘hey man, alright, no more runs, this is our run now.’ I thought we came out and executed that, realizing the home team wouldn’t just give up.”
The Rams’ response was a 12-2 surge that reinstated their foundation, a lead they would maintain for the rest of the game. Clifford played a significant part, as has been the norm this season, achieving his eighth double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds while contributing a team-high five assists for good measure.
The remarkable comeback exhibited by Wyoming last year was not to be mirrored.
“We owed them from last season, so we had to come out and secure this one,” Clifford mentioned. “Many people were informing me before the game, we just wanted to step out and prove the doubters wrong.”
It was merely one of the numerous reactions. Not just from the run or history, but from the previous outing. The bench underperformed during a loss at San Diego State but rebounded with 22 points on Saturday, as Bowen Born netted eight, and Ethan Morton added seven.
And Lake achieved his first victory in Laramie, scoring 10 points.
“Coach mentioned they were talking and everything,” Crocker-Johnson noted. “We just had to remain united, and the more cohesive team will win the game.”
Another element of the history lesson.
Wicks aimed to illustrate that these games are hard-fought until the very end, particularly referencing last year’s matchup at the Arena Auditorium, where the Cowboys executed an incredible comeback in the closing moments of regulation, ultimately winning in overtime. A team that was struggling triumphed over a team bound for the NCAA Tournament, further adding to the narrative of rivalry games.
History indicates that games at the AA are closely contested: Of the last 13 games held at that venue, all but one were decided by nine points or fewer.
On Saturday, Colorado State coach Niko Medved assumed the role of a guest educator, reminding everyone present that regardless of predicted outcomes, there are exceptions. Saturday’s 79-63 triumph showcased this notion.
Disregard last year’s events, even last week’s. Let others discuss; you play. Rectify the mistakes you can, and when all is said and done, the Rams achieved their third Mountain West road victory, surpassing their total from the previous season.
“Ultimately, it’s part of the joy of college sports. We discussed that,” Medved expressed, as his team improved to 11-7 overall, 5-2 in conference play. “We emphasize how significant it is for the fans and for legacies. A player like Jalen Lake has been here and hasn’t experienced victory. In the end, the game is determined on the court. The athletes decide these outcomes. I believed we didn’t want to dwell on (the discussions); we merely aimed to concentrate on what we had to accomplish.”
First, they aimed to assert what they believed was an advantage inside. Jaylen Crocker-Johnson took this upon himself, securing good early opportunities near the basket and converting all of them. Wyoming made adjustments, and although his chances were more restricted as the game went on, he finished with 11 points after sinking his initial four shots.
In the contest, Colorado State recorded 38 points in the paint, which would set up further opportunities outside, and the physical style of play was evident on both ends of the court.
“Coach and I had a discussion before the game, to be the more physical presence on the court, just to dominate in any way possible,” Crocker-Johnson stated. “Securing those easy opportunities to establish the tone was beneficial.
“Our strategy was clear: we mustn’t allow them easy 3s, no straightforward looks, and make everything challenging. Tonight, we executed our strategy, kept playing the way we were supposed to, and ultimately performed well.”
From Clifford’s view, Crocker-Johnson’s early contributions set a standard for the team. In the first half, the Rams utilized this to forge a double-digit advantage, although the Cowboys managed to cut it down to eight by halftime.
The Rams eventually extended their lead back into the teens, and just as it seemed the game was tilted in their favor, the hosts capitalized on CSU errors, and Obi Agbim made a 3-pointer (part of a 26-point evening) to narrow the margin to 3 with 13:58 left.
Set aside historical context. Medved and the Rams sought a revision.
“It’s happened this season. Teams will make runs. During the timeout, we had two very careless turnovers; they made a 3, but I felt the mentality was positive,” Medved recalled. “Nique right there said, ‘hey man, alright, no more runs, this is our run now.’ I thought we came out and executed that, realizing the home team wouldn’t just give up.”
The Rams’ response was a 12-2 surge that reinstated their foundation, a lead they would maintain for the rest of the game. Clifford played a significant part, as has been the norm this season, achieving his eighth double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds while contributing a team-high five assists for good measure.
The remarkable comeback exhibited by Wyoming last year was not to be mirrored.
“We owed them from last season, so we had to come out and secure this one,” Clifford mentioned. “Many people were informing me before the game, we just wanted to step out and prove the doubters wrong.”
It was merely one of the numerous reactions. Not just from the run or history, but from the previous outing. The bench underperformed during a loss at San Diego State but rebounded with 22 points on Saturday, as Bowen Born netted eight, and Ethan Morton added seven.
And Lake achieved his first victory in Laramie, scoring 10 points.
“Coach mentioned they were talking and everything,” Crocker-Johnson noted. “We just had to remain united, and the more cohesive team will win the game.”
Another element of the history lesson.
This page was generated automatically; to view the article in its original setting, you can visit the link below:
https://csurams.com/news/2025/1/18/mens-basketball-rams-respond-in-every-way-in-rivalry-win
and if you wish to have this article removed from our site, please reach out to us
