- Nique Clifford's 26-point double-double leads Colorado State to seventh straight win
- Rams dominate first half, build 19-point lead by halftime
- Utah State's Mason Falslev scores 22 points in valiant effort
In a high-stakes Mountain West Conference Tournament semifinal, Colorado State secured an 83-72 victory over Utah State, extending their winning streak to seven games. The Rams demonstrated offensive firepower early, shooting 58% from the field in the first half while holding Utah State to 39% shooting. This marks Colorado State's fourth semifinal appearance in six seasons, highlighting their consistency in conference play.
Nique Clifford delivered a standout performance with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, becoming the first Rams player since 2019 to record a 25+ point double-double in tournament play. His first-half dominance included 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, setting the tone for Colorado State's commanding 49-30 halftime advantage. Teammates Kyan Evans and Jalen Lake contributed 14 points each, combining for 6 three-pointers at a 50% success rate from deep.
Utah State's Mason Falslev fought valiantly with 22 points and 4 steals, but the Aggies struggled to contain Colorado State's perimeter shooting. The Rams' 10 three-pointers marked their third-highest total this season, showcasing their evolution as a modern, spacing-oriented offense. This strategic shift under head coach Niko Medved has propelled them to their first conference final since 2021.
Regional analysis reveals Colorado's growing basketball influence, with three Front Range schools (Colorado, Colorado State, Denver) combining for 65 wins this season. The Rams' success has boosted ticket sales by 40% compared to 2022-23, reflecting renewed fan engagement. Their upcoming championship game against Boise State could secure an automatic NCAA Tournament bid, potentially giving the Mountain West multiple March Madness representatives for the fifth consecutive year.
With Saturday's final approaching, Colorado State's depth will be tested – their bench outscored opponents' reserves in 22 of 33 games this season. The team's +8.3 rebounding margin during their winning streak suggests they're peaking at the tournament's most crucial moment. A victory would cement this squad as one of the program's most successful in the Medved era.