Cowgirls Top Gauchos for Third Win

Four Wyoming Cowgirls scored in double figures led by Marquelle Dent's 17 points, and the Cowgirls defeated UC Santa Barbara 76-67 Friday night.

Wyoming (3-1) also got 16 points from Marta Gomez, 13 points from Jordan Kelley and 12 points and 7 rebounds from Liv Roberts. The Cowgirls shot 50 percent from the field and scored 24 points off 18 Gauchos turnovers.

UC Santa Barbara (1-5) were led by Coco Miller, who scored a game-high 24 points. The Gauchos also shot 50 percent from the floor.

Cowgirl head coach Joe Legerski said,

“We knew going in tonight that it would be a difficult contest. Both teams competed at a high level. UCSB has had a number of close games and that record is very deceiving. They create a lot issues, put pressure and make you become stronger with the basketball. We did a good job of getting to the free throw line.”

Wyoming got off to a quick 12-2 start. They built the lead to 27-12 early in the second quarter, but UC Santa Barbara rallied and pulled within 34-28 by halftime.

The Cowgirls got the lead back to double figures early in the third quarter, but UC Santa Barbara closed within 55-51 at the end of the period. A quick 6-0 spurt at the start of the fourth put UW ahead 62-51, and they held on for the win.

Wyoming was aided by a 27-of-35 (77%) performance at the free throw line.

The Cowgirls return to action Thursday, December 3 at Gonzaga. Tip-off is at 7 p.m., Mountain Time.