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Rams Play Best Game Of The Season To Grab First Conference Win
Kendle Moore Sparks Rams On Both Ends Of The Court
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Colorado State Dominate Air Force For First Conference Win
Colorado State got back in gear and ended their five-game losing streak by defeating Air Force 87-64 Tuesday night at Moby Arena in Fort Collins. The Rams conference home opener was also their first conference win of the season as they played a nearly flawless game.
Rams head coach Niko Medved first Mountain West win couldn’t have been any better. After Air Force (5-10, 0-3) took an 8-6 lead with 13:53 in the first half, the Rams then turned it on and dominated the rest of the game.
The Rams played solid defense and caused Falcons 16 turnovers (15 steals) while only turning the ball over seven times. More impressive was the fact that Colorado State (6-10, 1-2) allowed zero points in transition. That defensive performance should allow Medved to sleep well for the first time in a few weeks.
The Rams were led in the first half by true freshman guard Kendle Moore who leads the team with 15 points and finished with 23 points. Colorado State’s leading scorer was of course freshman, redshirt junior center Nico Carvacho who dropped in 27 points to go along with his nine rebounds. Guards Kris Martin and J.D. Paige contributed 12 and 10 points to give the Rams four players in double figures.
“Kendle Moore really sparked us tonight,” said Medved in his post-game radio interview. “Seems like he was everywhere, flying around on defense and creating offense.”
The Air Force scoring was led by junior forward Lavelle Scottie who had 20 points and junior forward Ryan Swan who dropped in10 points.
The game was not without some concern, redshirt junior guard Anthony Masinton-Bonner left the game early in the first half and was in street clothes with a boot on his right foot when he returned to the court after halftime. No word on his status for Saturday.
Colorado State has a few days to savour their victory before New Mexico comes to Moby Arena on Saturday. Tip off is set for 2pm MST and can be seen on CBS Sports Network.