(Laramie, Wyo.) – Sophomore Hunter Maldonado, senior Jordan Naughton and senior Nyaires Redding combined for 35 points to lead the Cowboys past Colorado Christian 72-69 in the Arena-Auditorium in Laramie on Thursday evening. In what was the Pokes’ only exhibition game of the season, Wyoming forced 17 turnovers on the night including five shot clock violations.
“This was an opportunity for me to solidify some thoughts and answer some questions about some guys who I still need to make decisions on whether they can help us this year or whether we will consider redshirting them,” Edwards said. “There was a method within what we did tonight. I wanted some of our young guys to have to go through this tonight and understand the kind of competition that is coming their way.”
Maldonado added a game-high 10 rebounds to record what would be his first career double-double. He scored all 13 points in the second half. Naughton did his damage offensively by going a perfect 5-of-5 from the field. He scored his 10 points in only eight minutes of action. Redding got his points at the free throw line going 8-of-12. He also added four rebounds and a team-high four assists.
“Hunter (Maldonado) is such a solid player,” Edwards said. “He didn’t shoot it great, but what I love about him he has bought in since day one of his freshman year to what we are doing, and I’ve tried to get some of the younger guys to look at Hunter (Maldonado) as an example. Like today, the way he got out there and got 10 rebounds, nine on the defensive end. He not only sets an example when he’s talking to our young guys at practice, but he also goes out and gets it done on the court. I thought it was great for him.”
Redshirt freshman Hunter Thompson and freshman Brandon Porter each added 10 points. Thompson was 3-of-5 from the field, as Porter was 2-of-3 from behind the arc.
“With (Hunter) Thompson, I believe he is going to be good, but it’s not going to happen all at once. Other than getting in foul trouble, I thought he was very comfortable on the floor whether in the post or out on the perimeter. I thought he did a great job of moving his feet on defense.
Preseason All-Mountain West selection Justin James along with junior college transfers A.J. Banks and Jake Hendricks did not play for the Cowboys in the contest.
“We had a few guys out and not playing, but I know what I have with those guys,” Edwards said. “J.J. (Justin James)) wanted to play, but I didn’t want to chance it in an exhibition. Jake Hendricks couldn’t play because of his hand. A.J. (Banks) was another guy we held out”
The Pokes shot 45 percent from the field for the night including 57 percent in the second half. The Cougars shot 43 percent from the field, but went 12-of-28 for 43 percent from behind the three-point line. Colorado Christian also held a 43-32 advantage in rebounding on the night.
The Cowboys open the regular season against UC Santa Barbara next Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the Arena-Auditorium in a contest that can be seen on AT&T SportsNet.