Cowgirls Claw Past Nevada for 66-65 Road Victory

A clutch pass and a pair of free throws from Chaundra Sewell helped the Wyoming Cowgirls pull out a 66-65 down to the wire win at Nevada Wednesday night in Reno. It marked the sixth straight win for UW in conference play. Sewell led four Cowgirls in double figures, as she recorded her ninth double-double this season with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

With the game tied at 60, a touch-pass, off an in-bound, from Sewell to Ashley Sickles for a lay-up with 1:06 to go put the Cowgirls ahead, 62-60, but Nevada hit two free throws to tie up the game for the seventh time at 62-62. Sewell was fouled and knocked down both free throws to give UW a 64-62 advantage with 21 seconds on the clock. After a miss by the Wolfpack, the Cowgirls got out in transition, and it led to a Kayla Woodward lay-up giving the Cowgirls a 66-62 lead with five seconds in the game. With the clock winding down, Danika Sharp of Nevada made a last chance three, but Wyoming held on for the 66-65 victory.

“What a basketball game. I always talk about how difficult it is to win on the road,” said head coach Joe Legerski. “Nevada had a ton of energy and came out very aggressive to begin the game. We talk about winning four minute segments and with the score tied we found a way to make plays down the stretch. Chaundra once again led us with a double-double and made a play in the last minute that turned the game in our favor.”

Wyoming (19-4, 8-2) also received 15 points and 8 rebounds from Sickles, followed by Woodward with 12 points and Kaitlyn Mileto had 11. The Cowgirls shot 28-55 (50.9%) from the field and scored 46 points in the paint.

Nevada (6-17, 1-9) was led by Emily Burns with 16 points and eight rebounds. Chanelle Brennan added 15 points. The Wolf Pack shot 24-67 (35.8%) from the field and 10-12 (83.3%) from the charity stripe. They also took advantage of 17 Cowgirl turnovers.

Wyoming utilized a 17-4 run in the first half for a 21-9 lead, but went cold after that. It allowed the Wolf Pack to battle back and eventually tie the game at 27 all heading into the locker room.

The Cowgirls return to action Saturday at Fresno State against the Bulldogs. You can listen to Wyoming Cowgirl basketball on KOWB Saturday starting at 2:30 p.m.