Get ready for a basketball showdown that’s about more than just the score—it’s a test of grit, strategy, and heart. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can the Wyoming Cowboys finally break their road curse and silence a hostile crowd? Sundance Wicks, the Cowboys' second-year head coach, is gearing up to lead his team into uncharted territory as they prepare to face South Dakota State in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This isn’t just any game—it’s a trip down memory lane for Wicks, who experienced a heart-wrenching NCAA Division II national championship loss in the same Sanford Pentagon arena as an assistant coach for Northern State in 2018. Now, he’s eager to turn that nostalgia into motivation for his players. 'It’s an electric atmosphere when it’s packed,' Wicks reflects. 'The fans are right on top of you, and it gives off those classic Hinkle Fieldhouse vibes. I can’t wait for our guys to experience it.'
Technically, this is a neutral site game, but don’t be fooled—the Cowboys (8-2) will be facing a sea of 3,500 Jackrabbits (7-5) fans as they aim to secure their first non-conference win away from Laramie. Wyoming’s recent performance has been a rollercoaster: a dominant 106-79 home win over South Dakota, followed by a narrow 78-70 loss at Sam Houston State and a near-upset against No. 20 Texas Tech (76-72). 'We don’t need to sugarcoat it,' Wicks states bluntly. 'We have to win away from home. Last year, we struggled on the road, and this year, we’re determined to take that next step as a program.'
And this is the part most people miss: Wyoming’s road record last season was a disappointing 3-10, with just one neutral site win. This year’s revamped squad, featuring 12 new players, is ready to make noise in the Mountain West—both at home and in hostile territories. Leading the charge is senior point guard Leland Walker, who averages 14.1 points and 4.0 assists per game. Freshman phenom Nasir 'Naz' Meyer, fresh off a career-high 26 points, is averaging 12.3 points and 4.6 rebounds, part of a dynamic backcourt that includes Khaden Bennett, Damarion Dennis, and Uriyah Rojas.
South Dakota State won’t go down without a fight, though, boasting a formidable lineup with 6-foot-7 forward Matthew Mors, 6-10 Alec Squires, and 6-10 Damon Wilkinson. 'This is going to be a chess match,' Wicks predicts. 'It’s a Mountain West-style challenge, which is exactly why we scheduled this game before league play. I want our guys to face tough, physical opponents in difficult environments.'
Here’s the bold question: Can Wyoming’s young team handle the pressure of a hostile crowd and prove they’re ready for the Mountain West? Wicks, a Rapid City native with deep South Dakota roots, will have his own cheering section in brown and gold amidst the Jackrabbits’ blue and yellow. 'South Dakota State fans travel well, and I expect nothing less for this game,' he notes. 'It’s a cool matchup against a Summit League powerhouse—a true test of where we stand.'
After this showdown, the Cowboys kick off Mountain West play against Grand Canyon on Saturday at the Arena-Auditorium. But before you tune in, ask yourself: Is this the year Wyoming finally breaks through on the road? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss.
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