BOSLER, Wyo. (Interstat) — The Wyoming Cowboys used a balanced scoring attack and a more efficient offensive performance to pull away from the Austin Peay Governors in the second half for a 79-65 victory in a non-conference men’s basketball game Tuesday night at a raucous Arena-Auditorium.

A crowd of 3,249 watched the Cowboys improve to 3-0 on the young season, while the Governors fell to 2-1.

The game was a back-and-forth affair for much of the first half, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. Wyoming held a narrow 37-35 advantage at the break, but the game’s momentum shifted decisively after halftime. The Cowboys outscored the Governors 42-30 in the second half, methodically building their lead with consistent execution on both ends of the floor.

Wyoming’s offensive efficiency was the story of the game. The Cowboys scored 79 points on 79 possessions, translating to an offensive rating of 100.1. Austin Peay, by contrast, managed just 65 points on 77 possessions for an offensive rating of 84.0, struggling to find clean looks against a stout Wyoming defense.

Uriyah Rojas led all scorers for Wyoming, pouring in 23 points in just 26 minutes of action. The 6-foot-3 guard from Upland, California, was a catalyst in the second half, helping the Cowboys create separation. He was complemented by guard Damarion Dennis, who added 17 points and 4 assists, consistently breaking down the Austin Peay defense.

The Governors were led by guard Zyree Collins, who scored 19 points despite a tough shooting night from beyond the arc. Forward Tate McCubbin provided a solid interior presence, finishing with 15 points. Ja’Corey Robinson and Collin Parker also reached double figures for Austin Peay, scoring 13 and 10 points, respectively.

While the final score showed a 14-point margin, the game was statistically closer in several categories. Both teams grabbed nine offensive rebounds, and the Governors actually held slight edges in assists (11-10) and steals (11-10). The difference came down to shot-making and ball security. Wyoming shot 42.9% from the field (27 of 63) and 36% from three-point range (9 of 25). Austin Peay was held to 35.6% shooting (21 of 59) and a frigid 22.2% from deep (6 of 27).

Wyoming also capitalized on its opportunities at the free-throw line, making 16 of 23 attempts, while Austin Peay went 17 for 24. The Governors were hampered by 16 turnovers, which the Cowboys converted into 17 points. Austin Peay scored 18 points off 14 Wyoming turnovers.

The game began at a frantic pace. Wyoming’s Abou Magassa opened the scoring with a dunk just 54 seconds into the contest. Austin Peay responded, and the two teams traded baskets for the first 15 minutes, with neither leading by more than four points. A three-pointer from Wyoming’s Gavin Gores, who finished with 10 points, gave the Cowboys a 21-12 lead with just over nine minutes left in the first half, but the Governors chipped away, closing the gap to two by halftime.

The second half belonged to the Cowboys. They opened the period on a 10-2 run, fueled by a Khaden Bennett and-one play and a three-pointer from Dennis, to take a 47-37 lead. Bennett finished with 7 points and a team-high 5 assists. Austin Peay fought to stay within striking distance, with Collins and Robinson making key baskets, but every Governors’ run was answered by a timely Wyoming score, often from Rojas or Dennis.

A late three-pointer from Rojas with 37 seconds remaining provided the final exclamation point, pushing the Cowboys’ lead to 79-65 and sealing the victory.

Austin Peay will look to rebound on the road against UNC Greensboro on Saturday. Wyoming, aiming to maintain its perfect start, returns to the Arena-Auditorium to host Portland on Saturday.