Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021
CONTACT: John A. Martin, Assistant Director of Athletics Communications
(540) 476-1259 | John.A.Martin@colostate.edu
ONLINE: http://csura.ms/3hV5sBV
CSU MBB Recap: Rams Rally From 13 Down To Defeat UNLV, 74-71
CSU trailed 59-46 with [8:52] to play but closed the game on a 12-2 run for the victory
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – In a back-and-forth Mountain West Conference battle, Colorado State again found a way to get it done in the final minutes to overcome an early second-half run by UNLV and earn a 74-71 win Thursday night in Moby Arena. With the win, the Rams improved to 7-4 and 4-1 in the Mountain West, while the Runnin’ Rebels are now 1-5 and 0-1 in the league.
Colorado State grabbed an early lead and was up 22-17 just over midway through the first half. However, UNLV put together a 17-4 run over the next [4:48] to take a 34-26 lead. The Rams rallied late and were able to go into the intermission down one, 35-34, after sophomore Isaiah Stevens hit a running layup in the final seconds.
The second half didn’t start well for the hosts, as the Rebels scored the first eight points in two minutes to go up nine. The lead fluctuated before eventually growing to 13 at 59-46 with [8:52] left in the game. CSU then put on its own run, this one a 14-2 surge over just [1:32], capped off by a steal and a three-pointer junior Kendle Moore, to make it a 61-60 lead for the visitors. UNLV answered with an 8-2 run to lead 69-62 with [4:01] to play.
The Rams stayed aggressive, hitting 5-of-6 free throws in the next two minutes to again make it a one-possession game at 69-67 Rebels with [2:24] remaining. A defensive stop led to a post-up basket and foul drawn by sophomore David Roddy to tie the game and the made free throw put the Rams up for the first time in almost 30 minutes of game time. A fade-away jumper by Bryce Hamilton in the final minute put UNLV back up, but another Roddy bucket with 25.9 seconds to play. CSU got the stop on a challenged three, with Stevens grabbing the board, getting the foul and making both free throws with seven seconds to play. UNLV’s last gasp shot rattled off and CSU pulled out the conference win.
Colorado State finished the game at 41.8 percent (23-of-55) from the floor and 40.0 percent (12-of-30) from the three-point line, while UNLV ended at 41.8 percent (28-of-67) from the field but just 28.0 percent (7-of-25) beyond the arc. UNLV won the board battle, 45-33, including a 12-4 advantage on the offensive glass. The free throw line became a difference, as CSU went 16-of-22 (72.7 percent), while the Rebels were just 8-of-14 (57.1 percent).
CSU was led by Stevens with 25 points on 8-of-15 shootings, six rebounds and four assists. Roddy had 18 points and five rebounds, while Moore chipped in 15. Dischon Thomas capped out the double-figure scorers for the Rams with 10 points and six rebounds off the bench. UNLV also had four in double figures, led by Hamilton’s 23 points.
STAT OF THE GAME
• The Rams ended the game on a 12-2 run over the last [3:40], holding UNLV to hitting just one of its last seven field goal attempts.
NOTES
• Throughout the years, UNLV has controlled this series, leading overall 41-18, but just 30-17 in conference action and 16-13 in Fort Collins.
• CSU leader Niko Medved has a 2-3 record against UNLV as a head coach.
• The 4-1 start in Mountain West play matches the best start in modern CSU history in either the Western Athletic Conference (1988-89 and 1989-90) and MW (never).
• The Rams are now 7-0 this year when scoring at least 70 points and 2-0 in games decided by five points or less
• The comeback from a 13-point deficit ties for the 19th-largest margin overcome to win in CSU history
• This was the seventh consecutive home win for the Rams, dating back to last season.
• Stevens’ 25-point outing was the second 20+ point game this year and eighth of his career.
• Roddy’s 15 point game as the eighth double-digit scoring effort in nine games this season and 31st of his career, while his three 3-pointers tied a career high.
NEXT UP
• The Rams again host UNLV on Saturday, Jan. 9.
• The game will be televised nationally on FS1 at 2 p.m.
• The audio will be on the Colorado State Sports Radio Network (along with online at CSURams.com), with Brian Roth and Adam Nigon on the call. CSU Sports Network broadcasts can be also accessed on mobile devices through the TuneIn app (free on all Apple, Android, Windows, Blackberry and Amazon Kindle devices) – once downloaded, search “Colorado St. Rams Sports Network” in the app for the games and coaches’ show broadcasts.
• The game will also have live stats on CSURams.com.
– CSURams.com –
540.476.1259 (C) | john.a.martin@colostate.edu
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