LARAMIE – If you want more, you have to do more.
 
That was Sundance Wicks' message to Wyoming following the gut punch loss to Colorado State.
 
The Cowboys were spiraling and searching for answers after blowing a 14-point halftime lead against New Mexico, getting blown out at Boise State and then suffering a bitter Border War defeat.
 
But the gritty, not pretty gang responded by playing a beautiful road game late Tuesday night in Las Vegas.
 
UW made 14 3-pointers, finished with 18 assists on 22 made field goals and smothered UNLV defensively for 59 minutes during an inspiring 63-61 victory at the Thomas & Mack Center.
 
"There was a monumental effort from a lot of dudes, holy cow," Wicks said. "That's what we're supposed to be doing, that's Poke basketball."
 
Obi Agbim scored 19 points with five made 3s to lead the visitors' barrage from the perimeter. Wicks rewarded Oleg Kojenets for his recent efforts by putting him in the starting lineup and the 7-footer made his presence felt in the paint with strong defense and two dunks.
 
Silky smooth shooting guard Dontaie Allen splashed a couple of timely 3s to keep the Cowboys within striking distance. Kobe Newton made a circus shot to give UW a 60-49 lead with 2:36 remaining.
 
And the most impressive individual performance came from Jordan Nesbitt, who finished with 13 points and six assists off the bench after struggling in his first rivalry game with the Rams.
 
"It's not going to be all magical right now," Wicks said after what feels like a breakthrough win for this program. "We're in year one. We're fighting to build that stuff, and that's the foundation, but these guys are setting that standard."
 
The Rebels went on an 8-0 run in the final minute to get within two points. Agbim missed the front end of a one-and-one at the free throw line, but the unflappable point guard calmly ran back and forced Dedan Thomas Jr. to make a tough shot on the other end.
 
Thomas, who scored 17 points and had led UNLV to wins over No. 22 Utah State and at San Diego State last week, was unable to force overtime.
 
The Pokes took a collective sigh of relief and walked out of the Thomas & Mack Center with their first true road win over the Rebels in 22 years.
 
Do not be surprised if Wicks' team does more damage to contenders during the second half of conference play with an eye on making more noise in Las Vegas at the Mountain West Tournament.
 
"It's all a process," Wicks said. "It takes time to get the things right, but the one thing I'll tell you about this team, they aren't going to be an easy out. It's not going to be perfect on certain nights, but come March, these guys, if they keep doing this, they're going to be a really tough out."
 
If you are interested in learning more about NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) or would like to support our student-athletes, please visit 1wyo.org. 1WYO was created out of Wyoming's culture of neighbor helping neighbor. The mission is to promote and strengthen local charitable organizations and develop Wyoming student athletes. 
 
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