Bennett's Six First-Half Threes Propel Wyoming Past Nevada 83-73 in Laramie

Khaden Bennett’s first-half barrage powered the Wyoming Cowboys to an 83-73 victory over Nevada at the Arena-Auditorium in Laramie on March 3, as Bennett made six first-half three-pointers and scored 18 of his game-high 27 points while Wyoming led 49-28 at the break. The Cowboys improved to 17-13 overall and 8-11 in Mountain West play after the win.

Wyoming took the lead with 19:35 left in the first half and did not trail again, building the sizable halftime cushion that proved decisive despite a Nevada rally. Nevada outscored Wyoming 45-34 in the second half, but could not erase the first-half deficit and fell 83-73. Leland Walker provided a spark for Wyoming in the second half, leading the team with 10 second-half points.

Bennett finished with 27 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, delivering the early scoring burst that set the tone. Damarion Dennis added 18 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field and hauled in six rebounds. Gavin Gores was a perfect 3-of-3 from the floor and went 5-of-6 from the line for 11 points overall.

Nevada’s offense leaned on Elijah Price, who led the Wolf Pack with 20 points. Tyler Rolison scored 14 points and dished four assists, while Corey Camper Jr. chipped in 11 points in the loss. After the game Nevada’s record stood at 19-11 overall and 11-8 in the conference.

Wyoming’s explosive first half, powered by junior guard Khaden Bennett who knocked down six first-half three-pointers, built a large lead that the Pokes held despite a secon The margin at halftime and Bennett’s multifaceted stat line—scoring, rebounding, playmaking and defense—were central to the outcome, even as Nevada mounted a stronger second-half push.

The Mountain West standings after the game show Utah State 14-5 | 24-6; New Mexico 13-6 | 22-8; San Diego State 13-6 | 19-10; Grand Canyon 12-7 | 19-11; Colorado State 11-8 | 20-10; Boise State 11-8 | 19-11; Nevada 11-8 | 19-11; UNLV 11-8 | 16-14; Wyoming 8-11 | 17-13; Fresno State 7-12 | 13-17; San José State 3-16 | 8-22; Air Force 0-19 | 3-27.

Officials for the game were Amy Bonner, Randy Richardson and Kevin Raher. With the win in Laramie on March 3, Wyoming used Bennett’s hot start and efficient supporting performances to secure a critical conference victory and leave Nevada with work to do in the closing stretch of Mountain West play.