Utah State vs. Colorado State
Game: Colorado State vs Utah State
Date: Saturday, March 15th, 2024
Time: 10:00 MST
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Venue: Thomas & Mack Center
Radio: 1280 AM and 97.5 FM in Salt Lake City K99 (99.1 on the FM dial) CSU
TV: CBS Sports Network
In a showdown in the Mountain West Tournament, the No. 3 seeded Utah State Aggies (26-6, 15-5 MWC) will face off against the No. 2 seeded Colorado State Rams (23-9, 16-4 MWC) this Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center.
The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network. Fans should expect a fiercely contested clash from tip-off to the final buzzer. Both teams are hoping to punch their ticket to the Big Dance.
Oddsmakers have identified the Aggie’s as a slight 1-point favorite, underscoring the razor-thin margin expected in this high-stakes matchup.
The over/under is 146.5, despite the teams’ recent outings averaging a combined 156.4 points.
If either team decides to improve its performance, this contest could quickly become an offensive shootout. However, I personally think this game will get very physical from start to finish.
Both teams are riding a wave of momentum into this clash following decisive wins in the conference quarterfinals.
Utah State defeated UNLV 70-58, while Colorado State defeated Nevada 67-59. These performances have heightened the stakes and showcased each team’s differing strengths.
On offense, the Aggies rank among the nation’s elite, averaging 81.2 points per game—the 28th-highest figure in college basketball.
Utah State’s success comes from efficient shooting. Its 49.4 percent field-goal percentage ranks it 9th nationally and excel in the match up zone on defense.
Ian Martinez leads the Aggie’s, averaging 16.9 points per game. Mason Falsley, with his 14.7 points, team-leading rebounding, and playmaking stats, supports him.
On the other hand, Colorado State has forged its identity around a disciplined defensive strategy, allowing just 67.3 points per game (a top-50 ranking nationally).
Offensively, the Rams average 75.2 points per game, demonstrating their ability to keep pace when necessary.
Nique Clifford is central to Colorado State’s offense, averaging 18.6 points alongside a team-high 9.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, and he is a force on the court for the Rams.
He is ably supported by Jalen Lake, who contributes 11.3 points and adds additional depth to the Rams’ lineup.
When comparing the stats head-to-head, Utah State has an advantage in scoring, outpacing opponents by an average of 11.6 points per game and having a cumulative scoring differential of +371.
In contrast, Colorado State has a +253 differential. The rebounding duel seems almost evenly matched, with the Aggies and Rams averaging approximately 31.3 and 32 rebounds per game, respectively. Every possession is critical in this showdown.
Betting trends introduce another layer of intrigue. Utah State has successfully covered the spread in 16 of their 31 games. They have hit the over in a similar proportion.
Colorado State has been slightly more reliable against the spread at 19-13. These statistics suggest that this game could easily hinge on a few crucial plays down the stretch.
With every possession and rebound counted, both teams are eager to keep their tournament hopes alive.
The Aggie’s and Rams are preparing for one of the most closely watched games of the Mountain West Tournament.
Fans are ready for an electrifying contest. Precision, resilience, and a touch of luck will ultimately decide who advances toward tournament glory.
Colorado State’s Key Contributors
Nique Clifford has been the driving force for the Rams this season, leading the team with 18.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
He’s shooting an impressive 51.0% from the field and 39.0% from three, knocking down 1.9 triples per contest.
Jalen Lake adds 11.3 points, 2.0 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game, providing a steady offensive presence.
Kyan Evans contributes 10.3 points, 3.1 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per outing, adding balance to the backcourt.
In the frontcourt, Jaylen Crocker-Johnson chips in 9.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, while Ethan Morton rounds out the rotation with 3.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, shooting 49.4% from the floor.
Utah State’s Key Contributors
Mason Falslev has been a key playmaker for the Aggies, averaging 14.7 points, 3.8 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game.
Ian Martinez leads the team in scoring with 16.9 points per contest, adding 3.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 45.2% from the field and 38.1% from three, making 2.3 triples per game.
Drake Allen provides steady contributions with 7.4 points, 3.9 assists, and 1.9 rebounds per game while also making an impact defensively with 1.2 steals and 0.4 blocks per contest.
Karson Templin adds 7.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, shooting an efficient 52.7% from the floor.
Dexter Akanno rounds out the rotation with 8.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game, shooting 46.6% overall and 44.2% from beyond the arc, where he averages 1.6 made threes per contest.