Colorado State at Fresno State (Rams win 80-70)
Game notes by Tyler Norwood
The Colorado State Rams marched into Fresno State red hot. CSU has won of 3 of the last 4 conference games and looked to make their second place spot in the Mountain West a bit more comfortable on Tuesday night. Going in, the Rams were clearly better than the Bulldogs and that was even more obvious after tip-off. Here are 4 standout moments of the game:
1 Rams started strong and never looked back: CSU jumped to an early lead and were reluctant to give it back. All starters scoring in the double digits was yet another example of Colorado State’s “team-ness”. Every time the Bulldogs would rally and gain some momentum they were met with a herd of Rams stopping them in their tracks!
2. Adam Thistlewood is a scary offensive weapon: Adam Thistlewood is so deadly from the 3 point line and should never be left open. He’s dangerous from anywhere on the floor and at any point in the game. The sophomore finished the game with 12 points, 3 for 9 from the 3 point line and shot 100 percent from the free throw line. The Freshmen stars and Nico Carvacho get a lot of praise, and rightfully so, but Thistlewood provides the offensive consistency the Rams will need come MW tournament time.
3. Isaiah Steven does it again: Stevens was terrific but perhaps not in the way we are used to seeing. While drawing attention from the Bulldogs defense, Stevens was able to find the open man all night as he had 8 assists. The young player proved once again he can impact the game in more ways than one.
4. Watch out San Diego State: This Rams team is much different than the one the Aztecs faced on December 4th. Against the Bulldogs, CSU showed us they can win in several ways, one being without Stevens as the leading scorer. February 25th, while on the road vs. San Diego State, suddenly becomes a very interesting game in the Mountain West.
TIP IN: Nico Carvacho continues to be one of the best players in the conference as he becomes the all time leader in double doubles in the Mountain West, passing up big names like Kawhi Leonard and Andrew Bogut. Even though he is not the ONLY guy for Colorado State anymore, Nico has taken the talent around him and grown into an even better all around player. Nico looks ready to cause some damage in the Mountain West tournament.
