LARAMIE – Sundance Wicks remains focused on the process.
Although Wyoming’s results on the scoreboard didn’t always reflect their progress, the Cowboys made significant strides during their month-long stretch away from home. The team’s dedication to the details and work ethic, which are key aspects of Wicks’ approach, were on full display during their dominant 92-55 victory over Bellarmine on Thursday night at the Arena-Auditorium.
The Cowboys executed assistant coach Pat Monaghan’s game plan to perfection after two rigorous practices and hours of film study leading into their first home game since November 22. Wicks described the team as being “over-prepared” for the matchup, and their execution proved it, as they shot a scorching 75.9% from the field in the first half and 65.5% overall while holding Bellarmine (3-9) to just 5-for-21 (23.8%) from three-point range and 19-for-49 (38.8%) from the field.
“I didn’t even realize; I was just focused on coaching every possession,” Wicks said, reflecting on the team’s best shooting half in 11 years. “I want to fight for every possession because we’ve had so many one-possession games. I want our guys to understand the value of each possession, whether we’re up by 20 or shooting well.”
Wyoming also dominated the boards with a 34-17 rebounding advantage, finishing with 21 assists and 11 turnovers. They never trailed in the game, leading by as many as 40 points.
Wicks’ core principles – defending, rebounding, taking care of the ball, and maintaining flow – are beginning to resonate with the revamped Cowboys.
“It’s mainly practice,” said Obi Agbim, who led the way with a season-high 28 points and an 8-for-10 performance from beyond the arc. “We’ve been working on keeping the flow, getting the ball side to side, making sure everyone gets touches, and playing deep into the shot clock rather than getting stuck. That showed in our work ethic during the two practice days. We executed really well.”
A.J. Wills, Agbim’s backcourt partner, added 13 points on 5-for-7 shooting, along with seven assists. “Watching Obi, not just in games but at practice, he’s a natural-born leader,” Wills said. “He brings the team together. I look up to him a lot, both on and off the court. It’s been great having him as a mentor.”
Forwards Matija Belic (12 points), Cole Henry (11 points), and Touko Tainamo (11 points) were a combined 15-for-19 from the field and grabbed 10 rebounds. Belic, making his home debut after missing the first nine games of the season due to a shoulder injury, showed his value. “We all know Matija can play basketball,” Agbim said. “His presence on this team is so important.”
Wyoming (6-5), who endured close losses at Utah State (73-70) and South Dakota (82-81) during a four-game losing streak, will now look to secure their first true road win against Cal State Fullerton on Sunday (3 p.m., ESPN+).
Their first Mountain West home games will follow against Nevada (Dec. 28) and Boise State (Dec. 31).
“I think it’s really important for us to go into Fullerton as a team, play together, and execute like we did against Bellarmine,” Agbim said. “We need to carry that over so we enter conference play with the right mindset.”
For more information on NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) or to support Wyoming student-athletes, visit 1wyo.org. 1WYO was created to strengthen local charitable organizations and support Wyoming student-athletes, reflecting the state’s culture of neighbors helping neighbors.
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