Colorado State took care of business at Moby Arena, defeating San José State 65-57 in a Mountain West Conference matchup. The Rams' victory was fueled by a balanced performance from Jevin Muniz, who posted 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Muniz's all-around effort was complemented by Rashaan Mbemba's double-double, consisting of 11 points and 11 rebounds, as Colorado State improved to 13-10 on the season.
Jevin Muniz's 5 Assists Mark His 10th Game This Season With At Least 4 Assists
The game got off to a slow start, with Colorado State holding a slim 30-29 lead at halftime. However, the Rams came out strong in the second half, outscoring San José State 35-28 to secure the 8-point win. Colby Garland was the bright spot for the Spartans, scoring a game-high 21 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack from Colorado State.
CHD Scout predicted a 17-point victory for Colorado State, and while the Rams didn't quite cover that margin, they still won. The actual score of 65-57 was a far cry from the predicted 82-65, but the outcome was still in line with expectations. Colorado State's win was a reflection of their ability to adapt and grind out victories, even when they're not shooting at their best.
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The win has real consequences for Colorado State's tournament resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 4 victory. While it may not be the most impressive win, it's still a vital one for a team looking to bolster its postseason chances. On the other hand, the loss drops San José State to 6-17, and the Spartans must regroup and refocus as they try to salvage their season.
For Colorado State, the key to success will be building on this win and using it as momentum to propel themselves through the rest of the conference schedule. With a net ranking of 96, the Rams are still very much in the mix for a tournament bid, and every win counts. As for San José State, they'll need to find a way to overcome their struggles and start stringing together some victories if they hope to make a push for the postseason.
The outcome of this game may not have been surprising, but the way it played out was still notable. Colorado State's ability to close out the win, despite not being at their best, is a promising sign for a team that's looking to make some noise in the Mountain West. As the season wears on, the Rams must continue to find ways to win, even when they're not firing on all cylinders.