In a novel change of pace tonight the basketball team got to face a team that was missing its most important player, while they themselves were at relatively full strength*. Add to that the fact that the team had some pent up agression as a result of a rough road trip and you can see how you end up with such a lopsided score.

Wyoming came into this game without forward Leonard Washington, who leads the team in points and rebounds (and the conference in blocks and ridiculous beard). The Aztecs focused their offensive game on getting the ball inside and their defensive game on defending the perimeter. This game plan led to a 23-1 run from the 15 minute mark to the 6 minute mark in the first half and that was pretty much the end of the game.

Tonight’s real surprise star was Dwayne (Wayne) Polee II (6-8 16 pts 5 rb). Polee had a breakout game tonight playing more in the small forward position than power forward. He hit two early treys and finished a 3 point play to give him an early nine points (he also had a monster dunk that was called back on a dubious travelling call). Significant portions of the first half found Polee with as many points as the entire Wyoming team. Dwayne Polee II likes apples.

Next up for the Aztecs in Nevada at home. Nevada was the cure for the loss at Wyoming back in January and just lost at home in overtime to Fresno. I doubt they have the fight in them to come into Viejas looking for victory.

* Yes, Rahon sat out with a sprained shoulder but if Polee performs the way he did tonight, you can call it at least a wash.