Colorado State Advances with Tense Victory Over Nevada in Quarterfinals

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The No. 2 seed Colorado State Rams defeated No. 7 Nevada 67-59 in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West Championship on March 13, 2025, at the Thomas & Mack Center, securing their place in the semifinals and extending their winning streak to eight games.

Despite leading for all but 14 seconds of the game, the Rams faced a challenging matchup against the Wolf Pack. Colorado State’s early 8-0 run in the second half was crucial, allowing the Rams to maintain the lead they established shortly after tip-off.

“That run was massive for us,” Rams coach Niko Medved said. “They never look at you sideways when you sub them out of a game. They’re ready when their number’s called.”

Rams guard Nique Clifford led the team with a standout performance, scoring 25 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. His explosive play, particularly in the second half, was a significant factor in keeping the Rams ahead. Clifford’s ability to convert under pressure included a crucial three-pointer that extended the lead from four to seven points.

“I felt pretty good offensively. Honestly, I thought I was terrible defensively tonight,” Clifford said. “I had way too many easy rip drives and certain things I’ve got to be better at to help us win games.”

Nevada fought hard, with Kobe Sanders leading the Wolf Pack with 23 points and Nick Davidson contributing 22 points. However, Nevada struggled with its long-range shooting, making just five three-pointers on 26 attempts, translating to a mere 19.2 percent success rate from beyond the arc.

The first half demonstrated the tough defense both teams exhibited, with Colorado State shooting only 37 percent and Nevada not faring much better. The Wolf Pack took advantage of opportunities inside, scoring 18 points in the paint but fell short on the perimeter.

Nevada’s defense initially limited Colorado State’s offensive rhythm, but as the game progressed, the Rams managed to gain momentum. Colorado State maintained a 29-28 lead at the halftime break, which set the stage for an intense second half.

As the second half commenced, Clifford and his teammates built on their momentum. By executing a swift offensive onslaught, the Rams established a nine-point lead, forcing Nevada to struggle from behind. Despite a strong effort from Sanders, who scored 15 points in the second half, the Wolf Pack could not close the gap, faltering during the game’s critical moments.

Colorado State’s persistence paid off, and the team executed well from the free-throw line, sealing their victory in the closing minutes. The Rams’ ability to keep a steady defensive effort also contributed to stifling Nevada’s comeback attempts.

Looking forward, Colorado State will meet the winner of the quarterfinal match between No. 3 Utah State and No. 6 UNLV on Friday at 9 p.m. PT. That matchup will provide another test for the Rams as they strive for the championship.