By Luke Fletcher | Ft. Collins, CO

The season didn’t quite unfold the way Wyoming hoped, but the Cowboys still have basketball left to play, and an opportunity to make some noise.

At 18–14 with a NET ranking of 99 (A team with a NET of 99 generally sits right in the middle of the NIT field: capable of beating anyone but unlikely to string together four straight wins.), Wyoming heads into the National Invitation Tournament looking like a team that’s capable of being dangerous if it finds its rhythm. The Cowboys open the tournament against Wichita State Shockers men’s basketball in the first round, a matchup that could quickly turn into one of the more entertaining games on the opening slate. For Wyoming, the NIT represents a second chance to define the season.

Much like most teams from Mountain West Conference, Wyoming’s identity starts with physical play. The Cowboys prefer to slow games down, operate in the half court and lean on their front court strength to control the glass. When Wyoming is playing well, games tend to look the same: long possessions, strong rebounding and a defense that forces opponents to work for every shot. That style doesn’t always produce highlight reels, but it can be effective , especially in postseason tournaments where possessions become more valuable.

The reason Wyoming is playing in the NIT instead of the NCAA Tournament comes down largely to offensive consistency. At times this season the Cowboys have looked like one of the tougher teams in the Mountain West to defend. At other times, scoring droughts have crept in, especially against athletic teams that pressure the ball. That inconsistency has followed Wyoming throughout the year. A strong stretch of games might be followed by a night where the offense struggles to find rhythm. The key question entering the NIT is whether the Cowboys can string together multiple complete performances.

The first round opponent presents a fascinating contrast in styles. Wichita State tends to rely on guard play, tempo and defensive pressure, the exact type of team that can challenge Wyoming’s half-court approach.

For the Cowboys, the path to victory is fairly clear:

• Control the rebounding battle
• Limit turnovers against pressure defense
• Keep the pace in the half court

If the game slows down and turns physical, Wyoming has a chance to dictate the terms. If it turns into a faster, guard-driven contest, the Shockers could have the edge.

The NIT often rewards experienced teams that know how to grind through close games, and Wyoming fits that description. With veteran players and a physical style of play, the Cowboys have the tools to be competitive against much of the field. A win in the opening round could open the door for a deeper run than many might expect.

Realistically, Wyoming sits right in the middle of the NIT field, talented enough to win multiple games, but still searching for the offensive consistency needed to make a true run. But in March, sometimes that’s all a team needs: a chance and a little momentum.

If the Cowboys find their rhythm at the right time, the season might not be finished just yet. Go Pokes!

NIT First Round
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 | 5:00 pm MT
Wichita, Kan. | Charles Koch Arena
TV: ESPNU with Rich Hollenberg & Mark Adams
Radio: KFBC 97.5 FM in Cheyenne  (Cowboy Sports Network across the state)