Box Score A hot-shooting first half and second shots propelled the University of Wyoming to an 85-65 win over the University of Denver in non-conference men's basketball action Nov. 23 at Arena Auditorium in the Pioneers' 2002-03 season opener.

The win is Wyoming's first, while the Pioneers fall to 0-1. Junior forward Carvell McAlister (Fresno, Calif.) led the Pioneers with 13 points, and junior center Brett Starkey (Lakewood, Colo.) added eight points and seven rebounds. Marcus Bailey led all scores with 23 points.

The start proved to be the difference as Wyoming shot 48 percent (13-of-27) in the first half. This was a falloff from the 88 percent the Cowboys were shooting in the first eight minutes. Wyoming's marksmanship from the floor, coupled with Denver's cold hand, 28 percent (9-of-29) in the first frame, allowed the Pokes to break the game open at 32-12. The Cowboys took a 38-19 lead into the locker room at the half.

The teams would go back-and-fourth in first 10 minuets of the second half, as Wyoming held their big lead. Yet the Pioneers would continue to battle, getting strong play from junior guard Erik Benzel (Spokane, Wash.) and senior guard B.J. Pratt (San Antonio, Texas).

Despite the Pioneers hard work the Cowboys would build a 29-point lead (69-40) with nine minutes to play.

"Wyoming is a good basketball team, and I know they will be playing in the NCAA Tournament come March," said head coach Terry Carroll. "We are not interested in moral victories, though. I won't be happy about this until Tuesday when we have another chance to get our there and fight."

The Pioneers are next in action this Tuesday, Nov. 26 when they take on the University of Montana in Missoula. Game time is set for 7:35 p.m.