The Wyoming Cowboys pulled off an epic comeback Saturday night in Laramie, leading to a 79-76 overtime win over rival No. 24 Colorado State.
Fans stormed the court afterward — at least fans who had stuck around. Wyoming head coach Jeff Linder said he looked around the arena late in the game and the home fans were walking out.
Wyoming trailed by 11 points with 50 seconds left, but somehow rallied. The Cowboys forced a turnover, drew a couple of fouls, knocked down some free throws, hit a three-pointer and the Rams missed a couple of free throws. That set the stage for Mason Walters to hit a shot at the buzzer to tie the game at 65 and force overtime as fans erupted.
OT it is.
Mason Walters with the buzzer-beater at the end of regulation to tie it 65-65. pic.twitter.com/yKQb1LqCqU
— Alex Taylor (@alex_m_taylor22) January 27, 2024
Guard Akuel Kot scored a four-point play to key the Cowboys in overtime. Sam Griffin led Wyoming with 24 points.
The GREATEST REGULAR SEASON COMEBACK EVER🥶🔥‼️
Watch Wyoming cut into an 11 point deficit in 45 seconds and WIN THE GAME IN OVERTIME🚨😳 pic.twitter.com/C57hCYUG5p
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) January 28, 2024
“Well, I’m not sure what to say. Speechless. I’m not sure what happened,” Linder said (via ESPN). “Looking up in the stands when you’re down 11 with 1:11 left, which I can’t blame the people for starting to turn and leave. Obviously, they missed probably the most special ending in the Border War rivalry.”
Wyoming fans were obviously ecstatic, Colorado State faithful were devastated, but even basketball fans with no interest in either team could appreciate this comeback.
Wyoming (+270 ML) trailed Colorado State by 11 points with 1:11 remaining in the game…
They went on to win outright in OT ✅ pic.twitter.com/5jmsNTPRmK
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) January 27, 2024
FINAL: Wyoming 79, (No. 24) Colorado State 76.
I don’t even believe what I just saw. pic.twitter.com/uGbbU4pbKx
— Alex Taylor (@alex_m_taylor22) January 27, 2024
I’ve watched this video 50 times https://t.co/XQ3YPUhExC
— Barstool Bowl Champs (@BarstoolUWYO) January 28, 2024
this CSU v Wyoming hoops game is absolutely insane; I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a team comeback from being down by 11 with 1:11 to go to force OT
— Keegan Cisowski (@KeeganCisowski) January 27, 2024
Game ain’t over until the clock hits zeros https://t.co/Y5G8cpR1ou
— Luke Lochner (@LochnerLuke) January 28, 2024