Wyoming Cowgirls Outlast Montana State, 72-62
Marquelle Dent scored a career-high 19 points, while Kayla Woodward and Fallon Lewis both finished with double-doubles to lead the Wyoming Cowgirls past Montana State, 72-62, Friday night at the Arena-Auditorium. Wyoming utilized a 20-2 run in the first half that put them in front for good and helped them stay unbeaten on the season.
Woodward scored 17 points and grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds, while Lewis added 15 points and a career-high 11 rebounds. Kaitlyn Mileto chipped in 12 points.
Wyoming (3-0) started slowly, as they trailed 11-4 just over six minutes into the game. The Cowgirls rallied with a quick 9-2 spurt that tied it at 13. After five straight points put the Bobcats ahead 18-13, UW went on the big run and put the clamps on Montana State.
The Cowgirls took advantage of the free throw line in their run, as they went 10-10 in that stretch and held a 33-20 lead. They held the Bobcats to a pair of free throws over a five-and-a-half minute span.
Montana State (1-1) pulled within six late in the first half before a two late baskets gave UW a 41-31 edge at halftime.
Wyoming led by double digits most of the second half, but could never put the Bobcats away. MSU closed within 6 points with 3:11 remaining, but a put-back by Woodward off her own missed 3-point attempt, plus a basket by Dent pushed the lead to 68-58.
The Cowgirls shot 31.8 percent (21-66) from the field, which included 5-25 (20%) from 3-point range. They were 25-38 (65.8%) at the free throw line and enjoyed a 60-53 edge on the glass.
Montana State shot 30.5 percent (25-82) on field goals and were just 1-16 (6.3%) from deep. They finished 11-17 (64.7%) at the stripe.
The Wyoming Cowgirls return to action next Saturday, November 23 when they host the Pepperdine Waves. Tip-off at the Arena-Auditorium is set for 6 p.m.