LAS VEGAS — In a thrilling encounter at the Mountain West Conference Tournament semifinals, Colorado State emerged victorious against Utah State with a score of 83-72 on Friday. The standout performance of the game belonged to Nique Clifford, who contributed 26 points in this important win for the Rams.
The Rams, who entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed, will now face Boise State, the fifth seed, in Saturday’s championship game. Boise State secured their spot by pulling off an upset against the top-seeded New Mexico in the earlier semifinal clash.
Adding to Colorado State’s triumph, Clifford also recorded 11 rebounds and six assists, further showcasing his versatility on the court. Kyan Evans added 14 points, particularly excelling with his three-point shooting, hitting 4 out of 5 attempts. Jalen Lake matched Evans with 14 points, shooting 5 of 8 from the field including two three-pointers. These efforts contributed to the Rams’ remarkable seventh consecutive win.
On the other side, Utah State’s Mason Falslev put forth a commendable effort, leading his team with 22 points, coupled with seven rebounds and four steals. Ian Martinez supported with 13 points and six rebounds, alongside four assists. Karson Templin also contributed significantly with 11 points and nine rebounds.
Colorado State asserted their dominance early on, gaining a lead just over a minute into the first half which they maintained throughout. Clifford’s efforts were instrumental, scoring 13 points by halftime to help secure a lead of 49-30. The Rams continued their momentum with an impressive 8-0 run in the second half, creating a substantial 25-point advantage at 57-32, eventually sealing their place in the final.
