3 Things SDSU Must Know When They Take on Wyoming in Laramie for the Last Time

The one game we all look forward to is here. In this final jaunt ever around the Mountain West Conference for SDSU we’ve come to the annual road trip to Laradise. That’s right folks. It’s time to go to Wyoming. 7,220 feet above sea level here we come.

San Diego State fans get ready for the final showdown with the Wyoming Cowboys on the road. The Aztecs are soaring into Laramie at 11-4 and 5-0 in conference play. The Cowboys are at a solid 11-5 and 2-2 in conference play. Despite the Aztecs on a six game win streak and winners of 8 in the last 9 games, both teams need this win very badly.

The game is schedule for tip-off at 5pm PST and can be watched on CBS Sports channel.

For SDSU HC Brian Dutcher, his Aztecs are scoring at one of the highest marks ever seen from an SDSU team. But their defense is also allowing the most points not often seen as well. It hasn’t been a perfect year but the Aztecs have faced much better competition than the Cowboys. Regardless, conference games are always very tricky and bring out the best in competition against SDSU who have been the standard bearers in the Mountain West, well…forever.

Wyoming does pack some quality though. HC Sundance Wicks makes sure his crew brings it every game when they hit the Mountain West floor. Wyoming isn’t a flashy team, but they consistently make games competitive with a gritty mentality. They most recently lost to Nevada on the road, but before that beat UNLV at home.

Here’s a few key elements of their game for you Aztecs to watch for that might make watching this matchup even more interesting and help you see where the red & black need to impose themselves.

Versatility

One of the first things to watch with Wyoming is the scoring versatility they can generate from multiple positions. Senior guard #5 Leland Walker has been one of the Cowboys’ go-to options, averaging around 14.5 points per game and leading the team’s offense through his playmaking and shot creation for others.

Alongside him, freshman guard #2 Nasir “Naz” Meyer has shown explosive potential, capable of hitting from deep and finishing in transition. He’s earned Mountain West Freshman of the Week honors earlier in the season. This duo gives Wyoming two different styles of scoring threats that can stretch defenses and force adjustments.

Willing to Scrap

Another area where Wyoming can influence the outcome is their willingness to fight on the glass and scrap for possessions. While they aren’t the biggest team in the league, the Cowboys regularly compete for rebounds and loose balls, which helps them extend offensive possessions and limit second-chance points for opponents.

On average they are +7 out-rebounding teams this season. It at times is a head scratcher as to how they’ve been so successful in some areas. The Cowboys tallest player to get significant run is one guy—#11 Gavin Gores standing at 6’10” and he only averages about 15 minutes per game.

This scrappy effort often shows up in games where Wyoming has hung around close or even pushed higher-seeded teams into tight finishes. Their rebounding and physicality can keep games within reach even when shots aren’t falling.

Defending Home Court

Defensively, Wyoming tends to play with a disciplined approach that doesn’t give up many easy baskets. They play team defense well and shut down penetration with it. Forcing contested outside shots, making opposing offenses work for clean looks is the name of their game.

The Cowboys are 9-1 inside the Arena-Auditorium this season and are allowing around 72 points per game. Guard #1 Damarion Dennis is emerging as a solid on ball defender to watch out for. While their defensive efficiency might not impress against elite competition, their effort and team chemistry on that end can disrupt rhythm and force turnovers at key moments.

This being the final time to host the Aztecs, tempers will be hot and they will want to send the Aztecs out of the Mountain West remembering how tough it is to play in Laramie.

Wyoming will win if:

They can exploit mismatches early with their small lineups that hustle. If they can sustain momentum through consistent offense and rebounding—watch out. If Walker gets off to a hot start and the Cowboys can control the pace, they will hope the altitude will come into play and give the Aztecs that extra defender they need to make it hard for SDSU to rally back.

San Diego State will win if:

They drink their beet juice, of course. This is the game the program usually charters to get to. Maybe assistant coach Matt Soria should schedule a bumpy train ride all the way up to Laramie from Denver instead. You know, just to piss his guys off so much that they play with an attitude tonight.

Add in a promised return stop to Buc-ee’s for their sweet treats and delicious brisket sandwiches if the Aztecs can win and we might just see an all time beatdown delivered by the young Aztecs.

But seriously, if the Aztecs can impose its defensive identity and depth on the Cowboys. SDSU’s strength lies in its ability to force turnovers and convert those stops into easy buckets. Getting out in transition early and often can tilt the game.

If the Aztecs control the rebounding battle and limit second-chance points—they can dictate tempo. When SDSU executes in those two areas, they’re typically tough to beat—elevation or not. Having a deep deep bench should prove to be an asset Dutcher & staff will rely on. But it will take a full team effort to get out of Laramie stealing the Cowboys hat & boots.