FORT COLLINS, Colo. — In an exciting matchup on Friday, Nique Clifford took center stage with an impressive 31 points, leading Colorado State to a thrilling 87-79 victory over Tennessee State after overtime.

Clifford’s performance was complemented by his strong rebounding effort, collecting 13 boards for the Rams, who improved their record to 2-0. Teammate Jalen Lake contributed significantly as well, scoring 22 points by hitting 6 of 12 shots, including 3 three-pointers, and sinking 7 of 8 free throws. Kyle Jorgensen chipped in with nine points, efficiently shooting 3 of 6 from the field and converting 2 of 3 at the charity stripe.

On the other side, Brandon Weston was the standout for the Tigers, finishing with 13 points along with seven rebounds and two steals. Aaron Nkrumah also made a notable impact, contributing 12 points and five steals, while Josh Ogundele added 11 points and six rebounds to the cause for Tennessee State, which now holds a 1-1 record.

The game had its turning points, with Colorado State facing a narrow deficit of 32-30 at halftime. Clifford led the scoring efforts in the first half, netting 12 points. The second half saw him elevate his game further, scoring 16 additional points. Both teams battled fiercely, ultimately ending regulation tied at 70-70. In the overtime period, Jorgensen’s perfect shooting performance helped the Rams secure the win as he netted all his shots to contribute crucial points in the final moments of the game.