Cowboys look for repeat magic at MW Tournament starting today

LAS VEGAS - A year ago, the University of Wyoming men's basketball team began a memorable quest to its first-ever Mountain West Tournament title.

The Cowboys won three games in three days, and their first was over Utah State.

A year later, UW (14-17) will try to defend its title when it plays Utah State in a first-round game at noon today at the Thomas & Mack Center.

A lot has changed for both teams since last season.

UW is completely different with only one senior, compared to five who played large roles in its success in 2015-15. It was the No. 4 seed in last year's tournament. It enters this event as the No. 8 seed.

Utah State (15-14) is the No. 9 seed this year and has a new coach in Tim Duryea, a long-time assistant with the Aggies under Stew Morrill, who is retired.

UW was expected to have its ups and downs this season.

Despite a new coach, the Aggies were expected to contend for the MW regular-season title with nearly everyone returning from last season.

None of that matters now as both teams begin the next part of their seasons - postseason play.

"If I have to say anything to get these guys going then they probably shouldn't be out on that court," UW senior guard Josh Adams said, who was last year's MW Tournament Most Valuable Player.

"They feel the same way. They're ready and know exactly what to expect. They just want to win games. Its pretty clear the guys are ready."

UW will have only seven scholarship players available today as three backups were suspended last week for "failing to meet expectations off the court."

Coach Larry Shyatt doesn't expect a lot to change game plan-wise with a shorter bench.

However, Shyatt knows Utah State poses matchup problems for his team.

"The most difficult matchups in this league for us are teams that can pound you physically and put four or five 3-point shooters on floor. Utah State can do both," he said.

The 3-point shot figures to be a big factor today.

UW made a school-record 20 3s in an 84-65 home victory over Utah State on Feb. 6 - the only regular-season game between the two teams.

The Cowboys lead the MW in 3-point shooting percentage (37.7). They've also made and attempted more 3s (302 of 801) than any team in the league, and make a league-best 10.1 3s per game.

Utah State is second in the conference in 3-point shooting percentage (36.8), and its 240 made 3s are fourth in the league.

"That can many times be the equalizer," Shyatt said.

Duryea said of the 20 3-pointers UW made against his team last month, about half of them were well guarded or taken by guys the Aggies didn't mind shooting the ball.

Two guys Duryea would like to avoid taking 3s are Adams and junior guard Jason McManamen. He described both as "unguardable" for different reasons. Adams for his quickness, athleticism and ability to create his own shot. McManamen for his quick release shooting the 3.

Both combined to make 11 3s against the Aggies.

Adams said UW must not "fall in love" with the 3-pointer today, and must play "Wyoming Cowboy defense" against a veteran backcourt of Utah State where four guards/wing players combine to average 46.2 points per game.

Neither team is expected to win this year's tournament.

To do so, it would have to win four games over four days. However, not many people gave UW a chance last year, and Adams' likes the "us against the world" mentality.

"That's always the attitude I've had, personally," he said."That's the attitude we took into last year's (tournament).It's a powerful idea to have.

"It's up to these seven guys and our coaches to win these next four games."

Postseason awards

Adams was named First Team All-MW Tuesday by the coaches, and also to the All-District VIII Team by the United States Basketball Writers Association.

Adams was named the MW Player of the Year and a First Team pick by the media that covers the MW Sunday.

Adams is third in the country in scoring (24.9 points per game). He also leads UW with 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

McManamen was named Honorable Mention All-MW by the coaches.

Free throws

UW and Utah State are similar in a few statistical categories. UW allows 71.7 points per game. Utah State allows 71.6. Opponents shoot 34.9 percent from 3-point range against the Cowboys. Foes shoot 35 percent against Utah State. UW averages 11.3 turnovers per game. Utah State averages 12.3. ... The Cowboys are 11-15 all-time at the MW Tournament, and this will be the fifth time it will be the No. 8 seed since the tournament began in 2000. ... Adams will play in his 131st game today, which ties him for the school record with center Eric Leckner (1985-88).