Emmanuel Omogbo played in Colorado State’s win over Air Force, one day after learning his parents and two young relatives died in a house fire.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- A Colorado State University basketball player was in the Rams' game against the Air Force Academy on Wednesday night even though he learned a day earlier about the deaths of his parents, nephew and niece in a house fire in Maryland.

Emmanuel Omogbo insisted on playing in the game. He played 10 minutes and scored one point in CSU's 83-79 win. He was given the game ball after the game.

"Most gallant effort I ever saw," coach Larry Eustachy said, wiping away tears. "We really wanted to win that game so we could give him a winning ball."

Caroline and Samson Omogbo died at the scene in a fire early Tuesday in Chillum, Md. His sister's 2-year-old twins were taken to a hospital, where they died.

"It was real tough to play the game. The past 48 hours have been really tough and really emotional," CSU senior guard Antwan Scott said. "I think Emmanuel has been the strongest as I didn’t see him get really emotional until after tonight’s win when we presented him with the game ball.

"It has been hard and we have been trying to be here for him, but none of us can relate to losing that many family members."

CSU set up a GoFundMe account to help him. It has had tremendous response.