Colorado State University (CSU) continued its impressive run by achieving a sixth consecutive victory, triumphing over Fresno State 74-70 on Tuesday at Moby Arena in Fort Collins. With this win, CSU improved its overall record to 18-10 and reached 9-8 in the Mountain West Conference, marking their first time above .500 in league play this season.
The matchup proved to be a challenge for the Rams, who found themselves trailing by double digits during both halves. However, a determined late-game effort allowed CSU to maintain its winning streak. After a significant emotional victory during their annual Orange Out game on Saturday, head coach Ali Farokhmanesh expressed concerns about a potential letdown against the Bulldogs. “I felt at practice yesterday like there was probably going to be a little let up and we were fighting them on it,” he stated. “We just needed to find a way, and I thought our guys found a way to win.”
Beginning the second half down 39-32, the Rams orchestrated a quick 7-0 run, leveling the score at 47 thanks to a three-pointer from Brandon Rechsteiner. The teams exchanged leads, but Fresno State surged ahead with an 8-0 run, creating a 57-49 advantage. The Bulldogs expanded their lead to 61-51 before Rechsteiner struck again with back-to-back three-pointers, narrowing the gap to 61-57.
With just over seven minutes left, Jevin Muniz brought CSU within two points after converting a pair of free throws. The Rams then tied the game at 64 with free throws from Carey Booth. A free throw from Jase Butler gave CSU a slim 65-64 lead, followed by a three-pointer from Kyle Jorgensen extending the lead to 68-64.
A crucial three-pointer by Rechsteiner with two minutes remaining pushed the Rams to a 71-66 lead. Booth”s layup with 34 seconds left solidified CSU”s lead at 73-68. Although Fresno State managed to trim the deficit to 73-70 in the closing seconds, Jorgensen”s free throw sealed the deal for the Rams at 74-70. “You know, Orange Out on Saturday, probably our best game of the year, besides CU,” Jorgensen remarked. “But you”ve got to move on. I think we started a little bit casual today and Ali got onto us and we were able to turn around.”
All five starters for CSU contributed in double figures, with Rechsteiner leading the charge with 16 points. Muniz added 15, while Jorgensen, Butler, and Booth each chipped in 11 points. Fresno State initially took control of the game, leading 22-12 at one point during the first half. They built a substantial lead of 37-24 before CSU narrowed the gap to 39-32 at halftime.
CSU outscored Fresno State 42-31 in the second half, securing their sixth consecutive victory. The Rams will face Fresno State again on Saturday, followed by their final home game against Boise State on March 7.
