The Colorado State Rams (24-11) advance to the second round of the National Invitational Tournament. The College of Charleston Cougars (25-10) provided a tough test for the Rams but Colorado State came out on top winning 81-74.

Both teams came into this game with similar records and styles of play. Both teams play a slow offense and really intense defense. Both like to shoot the three as the teams combined for 67 3-point attempts.

The game started out evenly; when CSU would go on a run, Charleston would match. It wasn’t until 6 minutes left in the first half that CSU would start to pull away just a little. Down 30-27, the Rams went on a 15-3 run to end the half.

Gian Clavell led the Rams in scoring once again with 22. Emmanuel Omogbo (12), J.D. Paige (15), and Prentiss Nixon (19) all finished in double figures. After disappearing the last couple of games Nico Carvacho busted out a good game with 8 points and 11 rebounds.

The Rams almost let their cockiness get to them. Up 60-44 with 13 minutes left, Charleston chipped away at the Rams getting it down to 3 points with 5 minutes left. The Rams defense woke up and the Cougars wouldn’t get any closer.

The Cougars were led in scoring by Joe Chealey with 16. Cameron Johnson (15), Grant Riller (15), Jarrell Brantley (12), and Marquise Pointer (11) all finished in double figures for the Cougars.

The Cougars provided a good test for the Rams. CSU now looks to face either CSU-Bakersfield or Cal sometime between March 16th and March 20th.