JUST NOW:Cowgirls Fall in 3OT Mountain West Championship Thriller to San Diego State
The University of Wyoming Cowgirls’ basketball team experienced one of the most exhilarating and heartbreaking games of their season on March 10, 2025, as they fell to the San Diego State Aztecs in a thrilling three-overtime battle in the Mountain West Championship. This matchup, held at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, was a testament to the grit, resilience, and competitive spirit both teams displayed throughout the contest. It ended with a final score of 92-89 in favor of the Aztecs, marking a brutal yet unforgettable chapter in Wyoming’s pursuit of a conference title.
An Instant Classic
The game began as a high-intensity affair from the very first whistle. Both teams, knowing the stakes were monumental, came out firing on all cylinders. San Diego State and Wyoming went toe-to-toe in the opening quarter, with the Cowgirls relying on their star senior guard, Emma Thompson, to navigate the offense. Thompson, who had been a focal point for Wyoming all season, demonstrated her immense ability with some early clutch baskets. The Cowgirls led for much of the first half, utilizing a balanced offensive attack led by Thompson and the strong play of their forward, Jessica Martin.
However, the Aztecs were not easily rattled. The team’s own standout player, sophomore guard Olivia Garcia, spearheaded the offensive effort for San Diego State. Garcia showcased her explosive playmaking ability, drawing fouls and hitting big shots to keep the Aztecs in striking distance. With each passing minute, the momentum of the game swung back and forth, with neither team ever able to pull ahead by more than six points.
The first two quarters were a back-and-forth chess match, as each team made adjustments and dug deep into their respective rosters. By halftime, the game was tied at 40-40, with both teams equally matched in terms of execution and defensive intensity.
Drama in Regulation
The second half was where the drama truly started to unfold. Both teams played with a sense of urgency, each aware of how much was on the line. Wyoming’s Thompson continued to control the floor, knocking down crucial three-pointers, while Martin dominated inside, grabbing key rebounds and putting back missed shots. But it was San Diego State’s Garcia, paired with a series of timely shots from veteran forward Natalie Rodriguez, who kept the Aztecs within range.
As the final minutes of regulation ticked away, both teams had their opportunities to take control. Wyoming had a chance to win it in the closing seconds, but Thompson’s contested three-pointer at the buzzer missed, sending the game into overtime tied at 74-74.
Overtime Madness
Overtime began with both teams looking for any advantage they could gain. In the first overtime, Wyoming got off to a strong start, led by the veteran leadership of Thompson. But just when it looked like the Cowgirls were going to seize control, San Diego State answered back with a resilient run, aided by a deep three from Garcia and a layup by Rodriguez. Despite the Aztecs’ efforts, Wyoming pushed back, forcing another deadlock as time expired.
The second overtime was just as tense, with each team continuing to trade baskets, knowing they had only a limited number of possessions to determine the winner. Wyoming’s defense tightened, but San Diego State’s Garcia proved to be a relentless force, making contested shots that kept the game level.
At the conclusion of the second overtime, it was still 86-86, with everything to play for in the third and final overtime.
The Final Blow
With both teams exhausted but determined to leave it all on the floor, the third overtime was where San Diego State ultimately found their winning edge. Early in the extra period, Wyoming appeared to be on the verge of taking control once more, but the Aztecs’ defense clamped down, forcing several costly turnovers by the Cowgirls. In the final minute, with the game tied at 89-89, it was Olivia Garcia who emerged as the hero for San Diego State. With 18 seconds remaining, Garcia drove to the basket and hit a clutch layup, giving the Aztecs a two-point lead.
Wyoming had one last opportunity to tie or win the game, but Thompson’s three-point attempt fell short, and San Diego State secured the rebound to seal the victory.
Heartbreak for Wyoming
The Cowgirls’ effort throughout the game was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite the loss, they proved themselves to be a resilient and talented squad, willing to fight through adversity. Emma Thompson, who finished with a game-high 32 points, gave everything she had to help her team succeed, but it wasn’t enough. Martin’s 18 points and 14 rebounds also stood out, but Wyoming’s overall depth could not match the late-game heroics of San Diego State.
For the Cowgirls, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after such a hard-fought battle. Head coach Amanda Leach expressed her pride in her team’s performance post-game, noting, “This group has been incredible all year, and tonight they showed exactly what they’re made of. We may not have won, but we gave everything we had, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
San Diego State Claims the Title
For San Diego State, the victory was a hard-earned one and a testament to their resilience under pressure. Garcia finished with 28 points, while Rodriguez contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds. Head coach Martin Hughes was ecstatic after the game, praising his team’s mental toughness. “We knew it was going to be a war, and we never gave up. Olivia stepped up when we needed her most, and I’m proud of the entire team for staying focused,” said Hughes.
The Aztecs claimed their first Mountain West Championship since 2017, securing an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. Their victory was celebrated by the San Diego State faithful, who were on hand to witness the team’s thrilling performance.
Looking Ahead
As for Wyoming, despite the loss, the Cowgirls’ remarkable run through the Mountain West Tournament, including their nail-biting finish in the championship game, earned them an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Cowgirls will enter the tournament with a chip on their shoulder, determined to prove they belong among the nation’s best.
While their dreams of a Mountain West title fell short, Wyoming’s heart and determination throughout the game will certainly not be forgotten by fans or future opponents.
Both teams will now look ahead to the NCAA Tournament, with San Diego State aiming to build on their championship momentum, while Wyoming will continue to show their mettle on the national stage.
Seals Trade Deadline Transactions: Impact on the Team’s Future
On the heels of the Mountain West Championship, the excitement in the sports world wasn’t confined to basketball. The NHL trade deadline on March 10, 2025, brought significant changes to rosters across the league, including for the San Diego Seals.
The Seals made headlines with a series of bold transactions aimed at strengthening their roster for the playoff push. With the trade deadline looming, San Diego Seals’ General Manager, Rob Johnson, orchestrated several key moves, bringing in new players and sending some veteran faces away. These transactions reflected the Seals’ commitment to improving their team’s depth and bolstering their chances for a successful postseason run.
The trades involved high-profile players, draft picks, and future considerations, signaling the Seals’ desire to compete at the highest level. Fans and analysts will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how these changes play out in the coming weeks, as the Seals aim to build a strong foundation for a championship-contending future.
