Today marks the 105th anniversary of Wyoming's "Border War" basketball rivalry with Colorado State. Jan. 27, 1911, the two schools met for the first time on the hardwood, with CSU prevailing by a score of 19-17.

223 games have followed over the years, with Wyoming leading the all-time series 132-92.

The Pokes have won the last three meetings, sweeping the Rams on their way to the NCAA Tournament last year. The Cowboys also hold the longest winning streak in the rivalry, taking 31 consecutive games between 1940 and 1951.

The next Border War battle takes place this Saturday at the Arena Auditorium in Laramie, with a rematch scheduled for Feb. 20 in Fort Collins.

Here's a look back at the five best games in the storied history of the storied basketball rivalry.

1. Feb. 14, 1987 - Widely considered to be the greatest game in Border War history, Wyoming trailed in final seconds of overtime before Reggie Fox hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to force the game into double overtime. Trailing again, Turk Boyd scored another buzzing beating three to send the game to triple overtime.

The Pokes would eventually outlast the Rams, winning 81-78 in the third overtime period. Later that season, Wyoming would make it all the way to the Sweet 16.

2. March 11, 1988 - Ranked #14 headed into the WAC Tournament semifinals, Wyoming was out to avenge an upset loss to CSU earlier in the season. With the game tied and two seconds remaining on the clock, Eric Leckner sank a buzzer beater to give the Cowboys a 60-58 win.

Wyoming would go on to win the WAC Tournament and advance to the NCAA Tournament.

3. Feb. 27, 1982 - After blowing out the Rams earlier in the season, Wyoming would face a tougher test on the road in Fort Collins. Jim Brandenburg's squad hung on for a hard fought 63-57 victory, clinching their second straight WAC Championship.

Like they had the season before, the Cowboys would advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, before falling to top seeded Georgetown.

4. Jan.7, 2015 - After Wyoming star forward Larry Nance, Jr., injured his knee in the second half, Colorado State erased a 13 point deficit to tie the game in the final minutes. With 20 seconds left, reserve forward Jason McManamen silenced the Fort Collins crowd, draining a clutch three-pointer and propelling the Pokes to a 60-54 victory.

Wyoming would go on to sweep the season series on their way to the Mountain West Conference Tournament Championship and the NCAA Tournament.

5. March 9, 2000 - In the first ever Mountain West Conference Tournament, Wyoming defeated CSU 74-68 in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the Cowboys fell to UNLV in the tournament semifinals.

 

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