In an exciting first round of the NCAA Tournament held on Friday at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, the Colorado State Rams claimed a stunning 78-70 victory over the Memphis Tigers. The game was marked by intense competition and a breakout performance from Kyan Evans.
Evans, a sophomore point guard, scored a career-high 23 points and set a new program record for the NCAA Tournament with six three-pointers. This victory not only signifies a historic win for the Rams but also continues their momentum from a successful Mountain West tournament run.
The Rams, now at 26-9, were the No. 12 seed and successfully broke the No. 5 seed Memphis’s season, ending with a record of 29-6. Memphis struggled with turnovers throughout the game, finishing with 16, which Colorado State capitalized on for 12 points.
Initially, Memphis seemed to seize control, leading 36-31 at halftime due to a dominant performance from Dain Dainja, who contributed significantly with 22 points and 12 rebounds. However, it was evident that the Rams adjusted their strategy effectively in the second half. By doubling Dainja, they limited his effectiveness and disrupted the Tigers’ rhythm.
Memphis dealt with the absence of starting point guard Tyrese Hunter and backup guard Dante Harris, which impacted their offensive structure. Despite being plagued by dry spells in the second half, the Tigers made a commendable attempt to rally late in the game but ultimately fell short.
Kyan Evans Shines in Key Moments
Evans’ performance was pivotal, especially during a sequence when he drilled a critical three-pointer that put Colorado State up by 10 points, leading the Rams to a secure position as the game progressed.
A Historic Win for Colorado State
This victory marks the first time Colorado State has won in the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 64 since 2013. It was a memorable moment for the program, which is now 6-13 all-time in NCAA Tournament games and is on an impressive 11-game winning streak.
Next Steps for Colorado State
With this victory, the Rams will advance to face the winner of the upcoming match between No. 4 Maryland and No. 13 Grand Canyon on Sunday, March 23, although the time for this matchup has yet to be announced.
Conclusion
As both teams reflect on their season, this game stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of March Madness, where every game can bring exciting surprises.
