The Wyoming Cowboys five-game winning streak in the Border War came to an end with a 78-73 loss to Colorado State Tuesday night in Laramie.

Prentiss Nixon made a huge three-pointer just before the shot clock expired with 34 seconds left that gave the Rams a 73-69 lead. Nixon then made four consecutive free throws to seal it. Gian Clavell added one foul shot with three seconds left for the final margin.

Wyoming trailed by 10, 60-50, with 10 minutes left. The Cowboys rallied within one on Jason McManamen’s three with 2:38 remaining, but could never take the lead. UW had their only turnover of the second half and missed a three on their next two possessions.

After a turnover by CSU, Louis Adams was fouled on a drive to the basket, but made only one-of-two free throws, which kept the Rams in front by one, 70-69.

Colorado State (18-9, 10-4) took over first place with the victory and thanks to Boise State’s loss at New Mexico. The Rams were led by Clavell with 20 points. Emmanuel Omogbo added 19 points and 16 rebounds, while Nixon scored 16. CSU shot 42.4 percent from the field. They were 21-34, 62 percent, at the foul line.

Wyoming (16-11, 6-8) lost its second straight conference game. The Pokes were led by Justin James with 23 points. Alan Herndon added 15 points and 12 rebounds. UW shot 36 percent from the field. They were 10-32, 31 percent, from beyond the arc.

In the first half, the Rams shots 50 percent from the floor and from three. CSU held the lead until an Andrew Moemeka three-point play at the 6:41 mark that put the Cowboys ahead briefly, 28-27. The Rams got the lead on their next possession and stretched it out to 41-33 by halftime.

James scored 13 straight points for Wyoming during one three minute span, but Colorado State always had an answer.

The Cowboys quickly cut the halftime deficit to three, 43-40. A Herndon three-pointer pulled UW within 47-45, but the Rams responded a short time later. CSU’s 9-1 spurt that pushed their advantage to 10 with 12 minutes left.

Wyoming tries to bounce back on the road. They play at Boise State Saturday afternoon at four o’clock.

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