UPDATE: The Colorado State Rams have just clinched their fourth consecutive victory, overpowering Dartmouth with a decisive 76-55 win at Moby Arena on December 19, 2023. This victory enhances CSU’s record to 8-2 as they prepare for the final stretch before the Mountain West Conference begins.
After a sluggish start, CSU demonstrated resilience, turning a nine-point halftime lead into an impressive second-half performance. First-year head coach Ali Farokhmanesh acknowledged the emotional toll of their previous game against Colorado, stating, “That’s human nature… it’s hard to get ready for the next one.” However, he expressed satisfaction with his team’s ability to regroup and secure the win.
Brandon Rechsteiner led the charge for the Rams, scoring 14 points all in the first half, while teammates Kyle Jorgensen and Jevin Muniz contributed 12 and 11 points respectively. The balanced attack saw all 12 players on the roster score, showcasing the team’s depth and versatility.
The game started tightly, with Dartmouth briefly leading 8-6 before Rechsteiner’s back-to-back three-pointers turned the tide. CSU’s largest first-half lead peaked at 11 points, but Dartmouth managed to cut the lead to five just before halftime. However, a last-second layup by Rechsteiner extended the Rams’ advantage to 33-24 at the break.
In the second half, CSU quickly restored control despite Dartmouth’s efforts to close the gap. The Rams launched a dominant 14-3 run, establishing a commanding 49-34 lead with 10:46 remaining. With just 1:31 left on the clock, CSU’s lead ballooned to its largest margin at 74-50.
Defensively, CSU held Dartmouth to 40% shooting and forced 15 turnovers, although players recognized a need for improvement. Jace Butler remarked, “I felt like we didn’t defend the way we could… it was better to learn that way.” The Rams also dominated the boards, outrebounding Dartmouth 25-23.
As the Rams gear up for their final non-conference game against Northern New Mexico this Sunday at 1 p.m., they are focused on refining their defensive strategies before entering the highly competitive Mountain West Conference play on December 20 against Utah State. Fans are eager to see how CSU will build on this momentum as the season progresses.
Stay tuned for more updates on the CSU Rams as they strive for continued success in the coming weeks!
