The Colorado State Rams men’s basketball team is riding high with a three-game winning streak as they head to Las Vegas to face the UNLV Rebels on Wednesday night at 9:00 p.m. MT. The Rams are coming off an impressive 79-68 victory over Wyoming, where they executed a stunning 21-4 run to close out the game on Valentine’s Day.
This recent victory marks a significant milestone for the program, tying the record for fourth most wins by a first-year head coach at Colorado State, sharing the feat with historical figures such as E.D. Taylor and Dale Layer. The team’s resilience was evident as they staged a 10-point comeback, their first since overcoming a similar deficit against Air Force last March.
Colorado State showcased a stellar performance in the second half against Wyoming, shooting an impressive 70.6% and converting 17 out of 22 free throw attempts. Defensive efforts were equally commendable, limiting Wyoming to just 32.4% shooting in the same period. Among the standout players, one player recorded career-highs in points (18), assists (6), and steals (3), emphasizing the depth and talent present in the Rams’ roster.
Remarkably, the Rams have demonstrated consistent scoring prowess, with five players finishing in double figures for two consecutive games. The team’s bench has been particularly instrumental, averaging 31.2 points per game over the last five outings and consistently contributing more than 30 points in the past three games. Colorado State’s ability to draw fouls has also been a key factor; they shot a remarkable 66 free throws over two games last week, boasting an 81.8% success rate. Currently, the Rams rank 29th nationally in free throw shooting at 77.1%.
In their first matchup of the season, Colorado State defeated UNLV 70-60 in Fort Collins, and they will look to repeat that success. However, the Rams must address their turnovers, averaging 12.2 per game during conference play, compared to 10.9 in non-conference matchups. Despite this, CSU ranks fourth in the Mountain West for assist-to-turnover ratio at 1.32 and has maintained strong offensive performances, averaging 15.5 assists per game.
Additionally, Colorado State has seen individual accolades with players being named Mountain West Players of the Week this season and has made notable strides in their recent NCAA Tournament appearances, with 26 wins last season – one shy of the program record. The Rams continue to develop talent, evidenced by their successful transfer classes and the remarkable achievement of having a player selected in the first round of the NBA Draft.
On the other side, UNLV is showing resilience this season with comebacks from significant deficits, including a recent 23-point turnaround against Boise State, spearheaded by Mountain West Player of the Week Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, who is averaging 19.4 points per game. The Rebels have been known for their aggressive defensive strategy, averaging 8.0 steals per game, adding pressure to their opponents and making them a formidable challenger.
As the Rams prepare for this critical matchup against the Rebels, they will aim to build on their strong momentum while addressing their challenges. The atmosphere at the Thomas & Mack Center promises an exciting encounter as both teams strive for victory. Following the UNLV game, Colorado State will host San Diego State in their annual Orange Out game, celebrating the program’s roots and legacy.