By james art 
Wyoming Cowboys (1-0) 108
Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears (0-0) 85
*Considered exhibition for D2 Concordia-St. gender
It’s never easy to reach the century mark – regardless of the opponent.
Curiosity surrounded the Cowboys roster heading into this season.
After Monday night’s win at the Arena-Auditorium, there are a few names fans should know going forward.
Key parts
#5 – Guard Obi Agbim
Coming through Division II Fort Lewis College, it was hard to tell if Agbim’s stat line in Durango would translate to Division I ball.
Everything in this piece comes with the caveat that Wyoming played a Division II school in Concordia-St. gender However, the eye test can provide insight into how players move the ball and how they affect the game – regardless of the level of competition.
Obi Agbim was in the bag, scoring 14 points in the final nine minutes of play.
His three-point shooting was butter in the course of the game.
Off the dribble, he can manipulate the defense and find his way to the mid-range and, if available, get into the lane and go with the ball.
Screen play will be paramount for Agbim to force opposing teams to collapse and help, allowing teammates to space the floor for open shots.
Obi Agbim’s latest stats – 25 points, 6 assists, 2 steals, 9-16 FGs, 3-5 3PTs, 4-4 FTs.
No. 16 – Guard Jordan Nesbitt
Effort.
grains of sand.
Basics.
Doing the dirty work in college basketball turns players into fan favorites.
The 6-6 Nesbitt tallied eight offensive rebounds with more than a few of his own.
The Hampton transfer was a pogo stick on the rim — popping up again and again to tip the ball, no matter how many attempts it took.
He finished with 16 total tackles, 11 more than any other Cowboy.
That kind of effort will take a long time to establish the identity Wicks wants this team to associate with.
Jordan Nesbitt’s latest stats – 11 points, 16 rebounds (8 OR/8 DR), 3 assists, 2 steals, 4-11 FGs.
No. 12 – Center Scotty Ebub
Athletic freak.
At 6-10, Ebube has some big leaps for a big man.
The Southern Illinois transfer scored all 19 of his points in the second half.
12 of those points came on rim-shattering shots in the paint.
*Shows Bill Raftery’s voice…”Send it big boy!”
Having someone who can out-jump and out-physical opponents in the paint is a huge advantage.
Heart above the height.
The way Ebube jumps off the hardwood is powerful and reminiscent of Shaquille O’Neal in his prime.
Head coach Sundance Weeks was at his best in the postgame presser after the win.
“For Scotty, we have a play. It’s “Get Scotty the ball and let him score.” This is the play.”
Scottie Ebube’s latest stats – 19 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 9-12 FGs.
Team statistics
*Bold indicates freezing point statistics.
Field Goal Percentage – 53.6% (WYO) vs. 38.8% (CSTP)
Three-Point Percentage – 28.6% (WYO) vs. 32.3% (CSTP)
Free Throw Percentage – 63.2% (WYO) vs. 79.3% (CSTP)
Tackles – 53 (WYO) vs. 33 (CSTP)
Assists – 19 (WYO) vs. 12 (CSTP)
Steals – 9 (WYO) vs. 2 (CSTP)
Total revolutions – 8 (WYO) vs. 15 (CSTP)
Paint Points – 78 (WYO) vs. 28 (CSTP)
What does this result mean?
Wyoming has the talent and the pieces to be competitive in the Mountain West.
How competitive?
Let’s see how the Cowboys fare in their next two games against Tennessee State and Texas Tech.
The more important point is that the three highlighted players – Agbim, Nesbitt and Ebube – all came off the bench on Monday night.
When Wyoming takes the floor again, I’d expect Weeks to adjust the starting five and allow that trio to make an impact earlier in the game.
As previously mentioned, it was the “cumpcake” season opener against a Division II school.
A win tonight wouldn’t drastically change the perception of Wyoming basketball.
However, the way several players dominated possessions and propelled the Pokes to a 23-point victory after trailing by just six at the break is cause for celebration.
The talent is there.
Moving forward
Now 1-0, Wyoming will remain in Laramie as they face Tennessee State at the Arena-Auditorium on Sunday, November 10.
The Tigers won their opener against NAIA member Fisk University, 96-66.
Before TSU travels to Wyoming, they will make a stop in Fort Collins and play Colorado State this Friday, November 8th.
If you don’t have Friday night plans like a true college basketball junkie, this game will give you an idea of what the Cowboys will be up against this weekend.
Next opponent
team: Tennessee State Tigers (Ohio Valley Conference)
Record: 1-0
Location: Laramie, Wyoming (Arena-Auditorium)
date: Sunday, November 10
TV/Weather: 2:00 PM (MT) on Mountain West Network
Mountain West Connection will keep you up to date on all things Wyoming basketball this season!