Cowboys Trample Monroe

Tuesday, December 9th, the Cowboys kicked off their season with a raucous crowd and nearly a raucous game against Monroe. The Student Section was overflowing and made their voices heard early and often.  The Cowboys showed some first-game jitters early but the defensive effort was strong and, by the end of the first quarter, Mason Rogers and Lonnie Grayson combined for 14 points and the Cowboys led 16-10.

The referee crew also seemed to have first-game jitters because the definition of a foul was confounding throughout the game and brought little comfort to players and fans alike.
In the second quarter, the Hornets started to find some game and made some 3 point shots to stay close. With around five minutes left in the half, Wyoming was up 23-21 when Lonnie Grayson had a steal and Mason Rogers was fouled and made both Free throws. By the half, Wyoming led 31-23. Hudson Rogers had a nice putback and Nate Lowe's rebounding came into play. Despite the score, both teams played a fast paced half and decent defense.

In the beginning of the 3rd Quarter, the crowd was treated to a wrestling exhibition at half court.  No foul called.  Someone in the crowd was heard asking a ref if they had thanked the Monroe bus driver for the ride to the game.  Inconsistent calls came in bunches and with 5:20 left in the quarter the score was 32-29 Wyoming and the game would never be that tight again.  Garyn Prater made 2 baskets and a plus one to have 5 pts. in the quarter. With 3:41 left in the quarter Hudson Rogers made a bounce pass from the top of the key to Mason Rogers inside to take the first double digit lead in the game, 43-33.

To a rousing ovation, senior Devon Davis came into the game with 36 seconds left in the quarter.
Fourth quarter, the game would never get closer than double digits the rest of the way.  After being in foul trouble for most of the game, Walker Lewis had two deflections, a steal and added four points before fouling out. Not before finally getting a charge called by the refs against Monroe.
Final score: 58-39

Thanks to Bryn Lewis for the great report, and

Thanks to Arch Cunningham for the great pictures.

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