As the college basketball season hurtles towards its climax, every game takes on added significance, particularly for teams teetering on the tournament bubble. Such is the case for Colorado State, who welcomes Utah State to Moby Arena on January 23. The Rams are in dire need of quality wins to bolster their tournament resume, and a victory over the Aggies would undoubtedly be a major boost. With a NET ranking of 92 and a quad record of 0-3 in Q1 games, Colorado State's margin for error is slim.
Utah State, on the other hand, is projected as a top-4 seed and boasts an impressive NET ranking of 26. The Aggies have navigated their schedule with relative ease, compiling a 15-3 overall record and a 6-2 mark in Mountain West play. Their quad record is equally impressive, with a 1-1 mark in Q1 games and a 3-1 record in Q2 contests. A win over Colorado State would be a Quad 2 victory for Utah State, which, while not as valuable as a Q1 win, would still be a positive addition to their tournament profile.
CHD Scout Prediction
Utah State
78
Colorado State
73
According to the CHD Scout prediction, Utah State is favored to win by 4.4 points, with Colorado State holding a 34% win probability. While the Rams have shown flashes of brilliance, their recent form has been inconsistent, with a record of 1-2 in their last three games. Unfortunately, there's no notable player momentum to speak of, which could make it even tougher for Colorado State to pull off the upset.
The stakes are clear: a Colorado State win would be a significant upset and a major feather in their cap, while a Utah State victory would be business as usual for a team expected to make a deep tournament run. Given the Aggies' superior talent and recent form, it's difficult to envision a scenario where the Rams emerge victorious. I predict Utah State will win by a score of 78-73, with their superior athleticism and depth ultimately proving too much for Colorado State to handle. The Rams will certainly give it their all, but in the end, Utah State's tournament pedigree will shine through.