Colorado State University (CSU) continued its impressive run in the Mountain West Conference by extending its winning streak to six games with a 74-70 victory over Fresno State on Tuesday night in Fort Collins. This win improved CSU”s overall record to 18-10 and marked their first time above .500 in league play this season, standing at 9-8.
The Rams entered the matchup at Moby Arena on a five-game winning streak, making them one of the hottest teams in the conference. Despite trailing by double digits in both halves, CSU rallied late in the game to secure the victory, avenging a previous loss to Fresno State earlier in the season.
Head coach Ali Farokhmanesh expressed concern about a potential letdown following an emotional win during the team”s annual “Orange Out” game on Saturday. “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. They executed well in the second half and started attacking the basket better.”
At the start of the second half, CSU trailed 39-32. A quick 7-0 run allowed them to tie the game at 47, thanks to a three-pointer from Brandon Rechsteiner with 15:34 remaining. However, Fresno State responded with an 8-0 run to regain the lead at 57-49. The Bulldogs extended that run to 12-2, pushing their advantage to 61-51.
Rechsteiner was instrumental in bringing CSU back into the game with back-to-back three-pointers, narrowing the deficit to 61-57. After a couple of scoreless minutes, free throws from Jevin Muniz brought CSU within two points at 61-59. With just over four minutes left, the game was tied again at 64 after free throws from Carey Booth.
As the game progressed, Jase Butler put CSU ahead 65-64 with a free throw, followed by Kyle Jorgensen extending the lead to 68-64 with a three-pointer. A critical three-pointer by Rechsteiner with 2:07 left gave CSU a 71-66 advantage, and Booth”s layup sealed the win with 34 seconds remaining, making it 73-68.
Though Fresno State cut the lead to 73-70 in the final moments, a free throw from Jorgensen secured the 74-70 victory for the Rams. “We call these kind of trap games,” Jorgensen remarked. “I think we started a little bit casual today and Ali got onto us and we were able to turn around. A month ago, I don”t think we”re winning that game.”
All five CSU starters finished in double figures, with Rechsteiner leading the team with 16 points, followed by Muniz with 15, and both Jorgensen, Butler, and Booth contributing 11 each.
The Rams will look to continue their momentum as they prepare to face Fresno State again on Saturday, followed by their final home game against Boise State on March 7.
