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Colorado State vs Saint Mary’s: Game Preview, Radio, Odds & More
The Rams have a chance to add a resume building win.
Contact/Follow @J0shFr3d & @MWCwire
Can this young Rams squad pull off the upset?
WHO: Colorado State Rams (2-0) vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels (7-1)
WHEN: Saturday, December 19 — 6:00 PM MT/5:00 PM PT
WHERE: University Credit Union Pavilion; Moraga, CA
STREAM: West Coast Conference Network
LISTEN: Colorado State Rams Radio 102.9 FM | TuneIn
SERIES RECORD: This will be the teams fourth all-time matchup. And the first game since 1984 between these two teams. CSU leads the all-time series 2-1.
ODDS via BETMGM: Saint Mary’s -5.5
This will be the Rams first true test of the season and it’s a strong one. Saint Mary’s has been one of the top teams in the country these past few years. And this year isn’t any different as the Gaels are off to a hot start at 7-1.
The Rams season has started slowly thanks to COVID. CSU had to pause activities for two weeks and then barely had any practice time as a whole team before their first game. CSU started slow against CSU-Pueblo, but finished strong. Another slow start against Northern Arizona followed, but an absolutely dominate second half against the Lumberjacks showed the high level of play coach Niko Medved is looking for from this Rams squad.
This Colorado State squad will be looking to push the pace as they are currently averaging 90 points a game. Saint Mary’s is currently only allowing 64 points per game, so the Rams will need to be ready to rebound and run. The Gaels have a strong half-court defense, so the CSU will need to take their chances when they can.
The Rams will have to keep an eye on Tommy Kuhse. Kuhse is the Gael’s leading scorer and can be a handful for any team. Against Eastern Washington, Kuhse scored 34 points and did most of his damage on the inside as he only converted five free throws and made only one of his three point attempts.
The matchup for me to watch in this game is how the Rams big men handle themselves. This CSU team is a really young squad. Dischon Thomas got some decent time last season and James Moors has had an ok start this year. If these two can handle themselves against Matthias Tass, the Rams will be able to make this a game.
Prediction: Saint Mary’s 85, Colorado State 79
Next Up: Officially for the Rams, their next game will be December 28th against Fresno State. There is some buzz going around that the Rams are trying to schedule another non-conference game before then, so we’ll see what happens.
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