Laramie, WY – Two of last season’s NCAA tournament teams met Saturday as the Wyoming Cowboys (5-2) hosted the Cal Golden Bears (5-2). Cal opened this season 4-0 and was ranked as high as No. 13, before consecutive losses last week. The Cowboys graduated 4 starters from last year including LA Lakers first-round selection, Larry Nance, Jr. but return key role players.
Going into the game, Wyoming was averaging 73.0 ppg (48 percent FG and 38 percent 3PT) and gave up 67.3 ppg on defense (43 percent FG and 32 percent 3PT). Cal’s offense was averaging 79.3 ppg (47 percent FG and 30 percent 3PT) and at the other end, they allow 67.9 ppg (38 percent FG and 38 percent 3PT), statistics that predicted a close game ahead.
Cal jumped to an early 12-8 lead by the first time-out as each squads top players came to play. Wyoming’s Josh Adams kept the score close behind a 3-point shooting demonstration. The Cowboys bounced back and had a six point lead at the 8:00 mark in the first half. Cal’s Tyrone Wallace showed poise and toughness in leading the Bears back to take a half-time lead 35-29.
Tyrone Wallace
In the second half Cal slowly built a 10-point lead with 7:00 left in game. Cal’s freshman sensation, Ivan Rabb emerged with a quick 10 points and 5 rebounds to be a prime factor and finished with 13 points prior to fouling out with less than 2:00 left in game. The Bear’s other star freshman, Jaylen Brown, considered one of the best prospects in the nation, wasn’t much of a factor, finishing with nine points and four rebounds and fouling out. The scrappy UW team closed the gap, tied it up at 62 and sent the game to overtime. However, Cal (6-2) pulled out the 78-72 OT road victory. Wyoming’s (5-3) Josh Adams led all scorers with 32 points, hitting 5-of-11 three-pointers. The Bears were led by Tyrone Wallace with 23 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Wyoming
Four-year starter, senior guard Josh Adams (6-2, 190) scores at 23.7 ppg to lead the Mountain West (10th in NCAA) to go with 5.3 rpg and 4.5 apg so far this season.
Josh Adams
Adams is an explosive athlete and has developed the offensive skills to play at the next level. His hustle and defense have always been high quality, but he has added a consistent jump shot with 3-point range. Known for tremendous dunks, including a few ESPN Top-10 plays, Adams has great energy and plays in “attack-mode” on both ends of the court. Blessed with a tough frame, he demonstrates the ability to catch and shoot as well as create off the dribble. His form is superb as he has no problem elevating above a defender.
California
Senior combo-guard Tyrone Wallace (6-5, 205) averages 18.4 ppg and 5.0 apg on a respectable 51 percent shooting. According to NBADraft.net Wallace is ranked the 24th overall NBA prospect. Wallace plays utilizing his experience and is a good athlete. He is able to use his height to get into the lane and score. Cal’s offense seems to run best when Wallace is aggressive, attacks the rim, and hits the mid-range jumper. Not a typical point guard, he gets the job done at a proficient level.
This article was written by Rich Ward, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can subscribe to our RSS feed from the upper right corner of our home page, follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
Any international players interested in coming to the USA to play in college, prep school or high school can contact us here. We are looking for interns and sales associates. If you’re interested contact us and forward your resume.
