Preview: Salt Lake at Central Wyoming in CWC Run & Gun Classic

RIVERTON, Wyo. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking consistency will meet Saturday when the Salt Lake Bruin Bears face the Central Wyoming Rustlers in the CWC Run & Gun Classic.

Salt Lake (3-6) enters as the visiting team, having split its last four games. The Bruin Bears are coming off a high-scoring weekend, averaging 103 points in consecutive wins over Western Nebraska on Nov. 21-22. However, those victories bookended a 76-95 loss at Laramie County, highlighting the team’s volatility.

Central Wyoming (1-5) looks to snap a three-game skid after a narrow 73-75 home loss to Trinidad State on Nov. 29. The Rustlers’ lone win came on Nov. 21 at Colorado Northwestern, an 80-64 decision.

A key player for the Rustlers is Isaac Patik. The guard is coming off a 26-minute, 10-point performance against Utah State Eastern and had eight rebounds and three assists in the win over Colorado Northwestern.

History favors Salt Lake. The teams opened the season against each other on Nov. 4 in Salt Lake City, with the Bruin Bears securing an 83-60 victory. In that game, Salt Lake’s defense forced 21 Central Wyoming turnovers.

Despite the records, Interstat’s game simulator projects a tight contest, forecasting a 100-100 final score. Both teams have struggled defensively at times this season, suggesting a potentially high-scoring affair in the Run & Gun Classic.

For Salt Lake, the game is a chance to build momentum before hosting Laramie County in a quick rematch on Dec. 8. Central Wyoming aims to find its footing before a home game against Miles on Dec. 12.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.