The Mountain West championship game between Wyoming and San Diego State promised to be a tough, defensive-minded contest from the tip. The Aztecs entered at No. 4 in defensive efficiency according to KenPom, while a super-slow Cowboys team was No. 9 in points allowed per game. SDSU figured to be in the NCAA Tournament regardless, while Wyoming needed to win this game to make the Field of 68. The stage was set.
Wyoming wins 2015 Mountain West basketball tournament
The Cowboys are going to the Big Dance for the first time in 13 years.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Ricky O'Donnell has covered basketball at all levels for more than a decade at SB Nation. He’s currently the Associate Director of Programming.
Wyoming sprinted out to a 12-point lead in the opening minutes, but San Diego State brought it back within three at the half. With 65 seconds left in the game and Wyoming trailing by one, junior guard Josh Adams hit a three-pointer to give the Cowboys a lead they would never give up. Wyoming is going to the NCAA Tournament with a 45-43 win over the Aztecs in the Mountain West championship.
Senior star Larry Nance Jr. led the Pokes, just as he’s done throughout his career. Nance finished with 14 points and six rebounds in the win. Adams added 10 points of his own.
Freshman Malik Pope was solid for San Diego State, scoring 13 points off the bench. Teammate J.J. O’Brien also added 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting.
It’s the first time since 2002 that Wyoming is going to the NCAA Tournament.
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