LARAMIE — Leonard Washington’s breakout game put an end to two years of frustration for Wyoming in its rivalry with Colorado State known as the Border War.
The transfer from USC posted career highs of 32 points and 14 rebounds to lead Wyoming to a 70-51 victory Saturday, snapping the Rams’ eight-game win streak and giving the Cowboys their first victory in the series since 2009.
“I take my hat off to my teammates for getting me the ball,” Washington said.
He was was 12-of-16 from the floor, and five of his 14 rebounds were on the offensive glass, which turned into 10 points for the Cowboys.
“I motivated myself today to come out and get as many rebounds as I could,” he said.
Luke Martinez added 12 for the Cowboys (16-3, 2-1 Mountain West), who never trailed in Saturday’s game.
Colorado State (13-5, 2-1) was led by Greg Smith’s 18 points. Jesse Carr scored 12 and Pierce Hornung added 10 points and seven rebounds.
The Cowboys held the Rams’ top two scorers, Wes Eikmeier and Dorian Green, to a combined seven points. The duo was averaging more than 30 points combined.
It was that kind of night for Washington, a 6-foot-7 junior who sat out last season under the NCAA’s transfer rule. His game-best marks at USC were 17 points and 12 rebounds. With Wyoming, the previous highs were 18 points and 10 boards.
“He can take you off the drive, he’s got really good hands … comes up with steals, tips, deflects, scores inside,” Colorado State coach Tim Miles said.
“He’s just a really great player.”
