The Colorado State University Rams continued their impressive run by defeating the Fresno State Bulldogs 74-70 on Tuesday at Moby Arena, marking their sixth straight victory. This win improved their overall record to 18-10 and their Mountain West Conference record to 9-8, bringing them above the .500 mark in league play for the first time this season.
Entering the game with a five-game winning streak, the Rams were challenged throughout. They faced a double-digit deficit in both halves but managed to rally late in the second half to secure the win. Head coach Ali Farokhmanesh expressed concerns about a potential letdown following an emotional victory in the 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.”
After trailing 39-32 at halftime, CSU began the second half strong with a 7-0 run, tying the game at 47 thanks to a three-pointer from Brandon Rechsteiner. The game saw multiple lead changes, with Fresno State responding with an 8-0 run that put them ahead 57-49. However, back-to-back three-pointers from Rechsteiner closed the gap, bringing CSU within two points at 61-59.
As the game progressed, Colorado State tied the score again at 64, and a free throw from Jase Butler gave them a narrow lead at 65-64. A subsequent three-pointer from Kyle Jorgensen extended the lead to 68-64. In the final moments, a three-pointer by Rechsteiner put the Rams up 71-66, and a layup from Carey Booth sealed the victory at 73-68, despite Fresno State narrowing the gap to 73-70 with seconds left.
All five CSU starters finished the game in double figures, with Rechsteiner leading the way with 16 points. Jevin Muniz contributed 15 points, followed closely by Jorgensen, Butler, and Booth, who each added 11 points to the scoreboard.
The Rams will face Fresno State again on Saturday, followed by their final home game on March 7 against Boise State.
