19 was a birthday Trace Young will never forget. Playing in his first NCAA game, the 6'9" freshman scored 16 points and hit a game-winning buzzer beater in Wyoming's 65-63 win over Dixie State at the Arena-Auditorium on Saturday.

With 12 seconds left in regulation and the Cowboys trailing 63-62, senior Justin James rebounded a missed free throw and dribbled the ball downcourt. Facing a double-team, James passed to Hunter Thompson, who found Young for the game-winning three-point shot as time expired.

Pokes coach Allen Edwards was hoping to redshirt the three-star recruit from Kentucky, but injuries forced Young into the lineup. The lanky left-handed forward, who chose Wyoming over Kansas State, Maryland, Texas Tech and several other schools, didn't waste any time, scoring the first, and the last, points of the game.

"I knew in my heart I was ready to play," Young told reporters after the game. "When the opportunity presented itself, I was ready to go."

The game-winner was one of four three-pointers for Young in his collegiate debut. He shot 6-for-10 from the floor to finish with 16 points and 6 rebounds. James added 16 points and 8 rebounds for Wyoming, who improved to 4-9 on the season. The Pokes open Mountain West Conference play Wednesday night against Boise State at the AA.

 

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