CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Cowboys men’s basketball team narrowly missed being ranked in the top 25 in the Associated Press’s preseason poll, according to a press release Monday from UW Athletics.
UW received 25 votes in the preseason poll. Eight teams falling just outside of the top 25 poll received more votes than the Cowboys.
The Cowboys were able to climb as high as No. 22 in the rankings during the 2021–22 season, UW Athletics noted.
The Cowboys and the San Diego State Aztecs were the only teams in the Mountain West Conference to receive votes in the AP’s preseason poll. San Diego State is ranked No. 19 in the nation.
After making an appearance in the NCAA Tournament and finishing with a 25–9 record last season, the Pokes return 85% of their scoring offense this season, UW Athletics said.
UW’s 24 regular season wins in 2021–22 tied a regular season record set in 1951–52.
“Along with 85 percent of the scoring returning, the Cowboys return 84 percent of the rebounding from last season,” UW Athletics said. “Wyoming led the conference in defensive rebounds per game last season at 27.4 per game.
“Offensively, the Pokes were one of the MW’s teams getting to the free throw line leading the conference with 669 attempts and 485 makes. The Cowboys also led the conference with 275 made three-pointers, which ranked fourth in single-season school history.”
Four starters and four other letter winners return for the Cowboys this season. There is also a pair of redshirt freshmen returning who will be joined by three new transfers and two incoming freshmen, UW Athletics said.
“Single-game non-conference tickets are on sale now and feature exciting matchups including Grand Canyon University and Louisiana Tech for the Cowboys,” UW Athletics added. “Eight game mini plans are also on sale now and allow you to choose any eight games throughout the Pokes’ season.
“To secure your seat in the Arena-Auditorium, purchase your tickets TODAY by calling the Wyoming Athletics Ticket Office at (307) 766-7220 or visit Gowyo.com/tickets.”
