Wyoming overcomes all odds to advance to Cancun Challenge Riviera Division Championship

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MX – The Tulane Green Wave hit the Cancun shores first, but not last, in the opening matchup of the Men's Riviera Division at the 2024 Cancun Challenge, but the Cowboys of of Wyoming were able to overcome a 16-point deficit in the second half to secure a solid comeback win, 64-63, at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya.

The Green Wave forced the initial separation in the matchup via a 12-point run midway through the first half of action. Obi Agbim kept the Cowboys in the mix early on with a solid first half effort, but Tulane appeared to be in control with a 40-34 halftime lead.

The Green Wave came out hot in the second half, working their way to a 16-point lead and looking well on their way to an appearance in the championship game.

Wyoming, known for their defense and rebounding, had other thoughts in the last ten minutes of play in the second half.

The Pokes controlled the boards, grabbing 44 total rebounds matching their 44.4 rebounds per game to rank first in the MW and No. 12 in the nation heading into the game, which kept them alive in another back-and-forth battle in Cancun.

Asher Woods put Tulane ahead 63-61 with a clutch bucket with 28 seconds remaining.

But the Pokes had an answer as time transpired, with a kick-out 3-pointer on the wing by Touko Tainamo to put Wyoming up 64-63, finalizing to an incredible Wyoming win, and securing their spot in tomorrow's Riviera championship game against the winner of LMU and Belmont.

Tulane will face the loser of the Belmont/LMU matchup for the third place game. Both games will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network.

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