In recent years, the Colorado State-Wyoming Border War has been, well, just the Border War.
It’s a hard-fought rivalry spawned by geographical proximity, tradition and fan hostility.
The games have been close – nine of the past 10 meetings have been decided by six or fewer points – but they have had little bearing on the upper reaches of the Mountain West Conference standings.
Tonight’s reunion in Laramie isn’t just another rivalry game. First, Wyoming (11-8) stunned the league by winning its first two games and taking first-place Air Force within a second of going into overtime before losing. The Cowboys are 2-3 in the MWC, with their three league losses by a combined 12 points. Now with two games left in the first round of conference play, Colorado State (14-4) is 4-2 and alone in second place.
It has no bearing whatsoever on Selection Sunday in March, but CSU was named the MWC’s “bubble team” on CBS Sportsline.com this week and picked up a token vote in the coaches poll.
But CSU coach Dale Layer cautioned, “We’re still a work in progress.”
Coming into the season, the rivals had contrasting strengths and weaknesses. In reality, both teams have proved more balanced than anyone projected.
Whereas CSU’s question mark was backcourt play to complement 7-footers Jason Smith and Stuart Creason, the Rams have produced four interchangeable guards for the three positions.
“They have a good inside-outside presence going,” Wyoming coach Steve McClain said. “That’s what makes them so hard to defend.”
As expected, Wyoming has featured the backcourt tandem of Brandon Ewing, the league’s top scorer, and Brad Jones. The questions about the inside game have all but evaporated. The Cowboys got a lift from junior college transfer James Spencer at guard/forward. And returning part-time starter Daaron Brown, at 6-9, 260 pounds, and Joseph Taylor have produced inside.
“Daaron Brown is a load inside,” Layer said. “They have three perimeter guys as good as any team in the West. They are way better than people anticipated, and Steve has them playing extremely hard.”
Natalie Meisler can be reached at 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com.
CSU men vs. Wyoming
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Where: Arena-Auditorium, Laramie
Records: CSU (14-4, 4-2 MWC); Wyoming (11-8, 2-3 MWC)
Radio: KLZ 560 AM
Notes: This is one of the few MWC games not on television this season. Neither coach was happy to draw a midweek date for the rivalry as opposed to a Saturday afternoon with the prospect of a larger crowd. When Wyoming holds the Bronze Boot that goes to the winner of the football series, the Cowboys usually show it off at halftime or during a timeout. That might not happen with the football coaches on the road recruiting. … Wyoming sophomore guard Brandon Ewing leads the league and ranks 15th nationally in scoring at 20.5 points a game. … CSU center Stuart Creason has blocked 11 shots in his past two games. … CSU averages 75.5 points a game to Wyoming’s 75.4.
NATALIE MEISLER
