Sundance Wicks, in his second year as head coach, has led the Wyoming Cowboys to a promising season, wrapping up with a regular-season record of 18-13. This year has marked a steady improvement as the team gears up for the 2026-27 season, especially considering the significant roster changes they faced. Defending their home court at Arena Auditorium, the Cowboys achieved a solid 14-4 record.
Within the competitive landscape of the Mountain West Conference, Wyoming successfully avoided the bottom tier of standings, coming close to rival teams such as UNLV and Colorado State. This progress is commendable, especially given the sting of two narrow losses to Utah State and Fresno State, where they fell short by a total of five points. These close games could have dramatically altered their standings and postseason positioning.
As the Cowboys prepare for their matchup at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, they are looking to build on both their triumphs and setbacks from the regular season. Throughout the final stretch of February and early March, various players have stepped up in crucial moments. For instance, Damarion Dennis and Khaden Bennett have had their moments, while freshman standout Nasir Meyer has also made significant contributions. Yet, the consistent force has been leading scorer Leland Walker, who has maintained his scoring despite facing tough defenses.
Since February, Walker has not posted eye-catching statistics but has shown remarkable control, committing only two turnovers in the last five games, including a streak of three games without any turnovers. This improvement in ball-handling could be vital as the Cowboys enter the tournament.
The potential wildcard for Wyoming in this tournament is the performance of Nasir Meyer. Although he has flown under the radar recently, his scoring ability can change the game. He has demonstrated an ability to score in bursts, with impressive double-digit outings over various stretches of the season. If history is any indication, fans can expect an exceptional performance from Meyer against UNLV.
Facing UNLV this week poses a significant challenge for the Cowboys, as they are set to meet a team that has won six of its last nine games, with close losses to Colorado State and San Diego State. The Rebels boast a formidable player in Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, a guard known for his scoring prowess. His recent performances have shown he can take over games, making him a player to watch.
If the Cowboys can secure a victory over UNLV, it will set the stage for a matchup against top-seeded Utah State in the quarterfinals, followed by a likely encounter with Grand Canyon or Nevada in the semifinals. The path to the Mountain West tournament title is steep, but if Wyoming can capitalize on their momentum, they could pull off some surprises.
Wicks and his team are motivated by the inspiring stories of underdogs succeeding in tournament play across the country. With teams like Drake and Georgia Southern making headlines with upsets, the Cowboys are eager to write their own narrative. They are set to take the court against UNLV on Wednesday at 1 PM (Mountain Time) on the Mountain West Network.
