In a thrilling matchup on Friday, the Colorado State Rams defeated the Memphis Tigers 78-70 in the first round of the NCAA tournament. This victory, though not completely unexpected based on the betting odds, marked a significant moment for the Rams, who managed to overcome a halftime deficit to secure the win.
Entering the game as a slight favorite, Colorado State was given an edge due to Memphis playing without key players. Tyrese Hunter, the Tigers’ point guard and third-highest scorer, was sidelined with a foot injury, and his backup, Dante Harris, was also unavailable. This absence clearly impacted Memphis as they struggled to maintain control over the game’s tempo.
The Tigers started strong, leading 36-31 at halftime. However, the second half saw a shift in momentum. Colorado State came out firing on all cylinders, rapidly closing the gap. They trimmed the deficit to one point just five minutes into the half and wrestled the lead from Memphis with 13:48 remaining, a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Kyan Evans was a standout for Colorado State, contributing significantly with three pivotal three-pointers in the second half. Another key moment came from Jalen Lake, who hit a crucial three-pointer with just over three minutes left in the game, extending the Rams’ lead to ten points. Nique Clifford sealed the game with two free throws, pushing the lead to twelve in the final moments.
This win is particularly noteworthy not just for the score but also for what it represents for Colorado State. Just a month ago, the Rams were on the NCAA tournament bubble with a record of 15-9, including a tough loss to Utah State. Since then, they have caught fire, winning 11 consecutive games, including a championship run in the Mountain West Conference tournament, where they secured an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament by defeating Boise State.
For the Rams, this victory signifies their first tournament win since 2013, when they triumphed over Missouri before being eliminated by Louisville. It also marks a positive start for the Mountain West Conference this year after both San Diego State and Utah State faced losses in earlier tournament games.
On the other side, Memphis concludes a rollercoaster season that included capturing the American Athletic Conference title alongside noteworthy victories over teams like Missouri and UConn. However, their inconsistency throughout the season raised questions about the Tigers’ ability to perform consistently under pressure. The defeat against Colorado State marks the third consecutive loss for Memphis in NCAA tournament appearances under head coach Penny Hardaway. The team has not won a tournament game since 2014.
Colorado State’s victory is also part of a trend seen in this year’s tournament, as No. 12 seeds are picking up wins against higher-ranked teams. Earlier in the tournament, No. 12 seed McNeese defeated No. 5 seed Clemson, indicating that upsets are becoming a theme this March Madness.
The Rams’ next challenge will come against either No. 4 seed Maryland or No. 13 seed Grand Canyon, as they look to build on their momentum from this victory and advance further into the tournament.
As the NCAA tournament continues, teams will be eager to build on this early action. For Colorado State, the focus now shifts to preparing for their next game, with the hope of securing another upset and making a deeper run in the tournament. The excitement surrounding March Madness is palpable, as fans and players alike embrace the unpredictable nature of college basketball during this thrilling time of year.
