Colorado State vs. Memphis How to Watch
- Date: Friday, March 21st
- Game Time: 2:00 PM EST
- Venue: Climate Pledge Arena
- How to Watch (TV): TBS
- Colorado State Record: 25-9
- Memphis Record: 29-5
Colorado State vs. Memphis: A First-Round Battle with Everything on the Line
SEATTLE — As March Madness gets underway, one of the most intriguing first-round NCAA Tournament matches features the No. 12-seeded Colorado State Rams taking on the No. 5-seeded Memphis Tigers at Climate Pledge Arena.
Tipoff is set for Friday, March 21. Both teams are entering the tournament in strong form. This showdown promises to deliver the kind of drama that defines college basketball in March.
Contrasting Styles, Same Goal
Both teams come into this matchup with different styles of play but share one common objective: to survive and advance.
Colorado State (25-9) enters the tournament on a 10-game winning streak, including a Mountain West Conference tournament title.
The Rams have built their success on disciplined team play. They excel in efficient shooting. They also have a defense that can adapt to different opponents.
Head coach Niko Medved has emphasized a balanced approach, with star guard Nique Clifford leading the way.
photo courtesy of CSU Athletics
Clifford, a fifth-year senior, has been the team’s heart and soul, averaging 19.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.
Memphis (29-5) counters with an aggressive, up-tempo style that thrives on athleticism and pressure defense.
The Tigers were coached by Penny Hardaway. They dominated the American Athletic Conference. The team entered the tournament as one of the field’s most dangerous No. 5 seeds.
They are led by explosive guard PJ Haggerty (21.8 PPG), who can score at will, and forward Dain Dainja (14.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG), a force in the paint.
photo courtesy of Memphis Athletics Department
However, the Tigers have been dealing with injuries to key backcourt players, which could factor into this matchup.
Key Matchups to Watch
The battle between Clifford and Memphis’ defensive scheme will be one of the game’s most intriguing storylines.
If Clifford can control the pace and create opportunities for his teammates, the Rams will likely pull off the upset.
Conversely, Haggerty’s ability to break down defenses will test Colorado State’s perimeter containment.
The frontcourt matchup will also be critical. Dainja’s ability to score inside against Colorado State’s Joel Scott and Jaylen Crocker-Johnson could be a deciding factor.
If the Rams can hold their own on the boards, they will limit second-chance opportunities. They will have a legitimate shot at taking down the Tigers.
photo courtesy of Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
Colorado State Rams Preview
The Colorado State Rams enter the NCAA Tournament with a 25-9 record, finishing second in the Mountain West Conference. They secured their spot with a dominant 69-56 victory over Boise State.
This victory took place in the Mountain West Tournament final. They claimed the conference championship. The Rams have been solid against the spread. They have a 21-13 record. They have gone 18-15-1 in over/under bets this season.
Offensively, Colorado State averages 75.2 points per game, ranking 137th nationally. Their efficiency is a key strength, shooting 48% from the field (36th) and 36.6% from three-point range (82nd).
One of their biggest advantages is at the free-throw line, where they convert at a 77.5% rate (10th nationally).
photo courtesy of Milo Gladstein The Coloradoan
Defensively, the Rams allow 67.1 points per game (56th in the nation), making them a tough team to break down. However, rebounding has been a relative weakness, as they collect just 31.6 rebounds per game (181st nationally).
Colorado State has an experienced roster. They have strong momentum heading into March Madness. Colorado State will aim to continue their success. They plan to make a deep tournament run.
Memphis Tigers Preview
The Memphis Tigers enter the NCAA Tournament with a 29-5 record, finishing first in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
They secured the AAC Tournament title with an 84-72 victory over UAB in the championship game. Memphis has had mixed results against the spread, going 16-18, and has a 18-16 record in over/under bets this season.
Offensively, the Tigers are among the nation’s most productive teams, averaging 80.1 points per game (44th nationally).
Their efficiency is notable, shooting 47.4% from the field (41st) and an impressive 38% from three-point range (10th nationally). However, their free-throw shooting remains a weakness at 70.2% (228th nationally).
Defensively, Memphis allows 73.2 points per game (211th nationally), a statistic that could be a concern against disciplined offensive teams. However, they excel on the boards, averaging 34.3 rebounds per game (79th nationally), giving them an edge in second-chance opportunities.
The Tigers are led by PJ Haggerty, who has been outstanding in the postseason, averaging 27.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Dain Dainja provides a strong presence in the paint, contributing 21 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, making him a key factor in Memphis’ inside game. With their high-powered offense and physical play, the Tigers will look to overpower opponents as they aim for a deep tournament run.
The X-Factors
For Colorado State, freshman guard Kyan Evans could be the difference-maker. If he can knock down outside shots, he will take some scoring pressure off Clifford. The Rams’ offense will be tough to stop.
For Memphis, veteran wing David Jones must provide secondary scoring and defensive stability, mainly if injuries affect the Tigers’ backcourt.
Players to Watch
Colorado State Rams
- Nique Clifford (G/F) – The senior leader does it all for the Rams, leading in scoring, rebounding, and assists. His ability to control the tempo and make key plays will be crucial. The 6’6″ wing has thrived in an expanded role this season. He averages 19 points per game on 50% shooting.
- He also provides elite floor spacing with a near 40% success rate from beyond the arc. He also contributes nearly 10 rebounds per game. Additionally, he averages a steal and two blocks. His performance makes him a dominant presence on both ends of the floor.
- Kyan Evans (G) – A sharpshooting freshman who could be an X-factor if he gets hot from beyond the arc.
- Jaylen Lake (G) – A defensive specialist who can also contribute offensively when needed.
Memphis Tigers
- PJ Haggerty (G) – A dynamic scorer. He can take over games with his quickness. He also has the ability to finish at the rim.
- AAC Player of the Year has been one of the nation’s most efficient scorers. He averages nearly 22 points per game. He also collects six rebounds per game while shooting 48% from the field.
Haggerty is a reliable threat from beyond the arc at 38%. He thrives as a shot creator. He frequently draws contact and makes nearly eight trips to the free-throw line per game.
- Dain Dainja (F/C) – A physical post player who can dominate inside and create second-chance opportunities.
Prediction: A Thriller in the Making
Both teams are coming in hot and can put up big performances. This game has all the makings of a classic.
Memphis has the star power and tournament experience, but Colorado State’s cohesion and momentum make them a formidable underdog.
If the Rams can slow down the Tigers’ transition game, they could execute in crunch time. They might become one of the first teams to pull off an upset in this year’s tournament.
Expect a fast-paced, intense battle when the ball tips off in Seattle. It could come down to the final possession. March Madness is here; this game could be one of its first true gems.
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