The Central Wyoming men's basketball team opened up their 2024 campaign this past weekend in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Pat Rafferty began his second stint as the head coach of the CWC men's basketball program this summer, returning back to the college he had held the same title from 2013-2017. 

  The Rustlers were tasked with taking down Region 18 opponent Utah State University-Eastern in their first non-conference game of the season. Both teams seemed to be shaking off the rust and figuring out team dynamics, combined with struggles in field goal efficiency, made for a low-scoring game. Central Wyoming experienced the greater shooting woes, converting on only 13 of their 42 total attempted shots. USU Eastern took advantage of a slow first half start from CWC, and carried a 28-20 lead into halftime. The scoring output was almost identical in the second half, and USU Eastern held on in the final minutes to hand the Rustlers their first loss of the season, 55-45.

CWC was quick to right the boat in their Saturday afternoon matchup after Friday's frustrating loss. Lamar Community College was on the menu, and the Rustlers were ready to sink their teeth in. A pair of Australian natives Jordan Peel and Hunter Trego were taking turns making it rain, as they combined to shoot 70% from three point range and totaled 43 points. Dominic McLawrence almost notched his first double-double of the season by pulling down nine boards and chipping in 13 points. Isaac Patik was the fourth Rustler to reach double digit points in this game, racking up 16 on 50% shooting. A back and forth brawl resulted in a 76-76 tie in regulation, but Central Wyoming activated its clutch gene and knocked down key free throws in overtime to pull out a 85-78 win.