The Colorado State University women’s basketball team looks to capitalize on the momentum from a thrilling one-point win against Utah State and take down a conference rival in Reno, Nevada, this Wednesday.

The Rams seek to capture this crucial road win against a struggling Wolf Pack. A win on the road would help push the team to keep up their solid form and reset their playoff hopes, improving their conference record to 5-5. 

CSU women’s basketball is heading into the last third of their regular season schedule with a mediocre 10-10 record. However, the Rams’ record is deceiving. CSU currently ranks on top of the Mountain West Conference in defense, allowing their opponents an average of 59 points per game.

The Rams have also been successful in keeping their opponents field goal percentages to an abysmal average of 37.4%, another impressive defensive statistic that also tops the Mountain West. The CSU women’s basketball team has an impressive defensive scheme that limits even the best teams in the conference to low offensive outputs.

Along with stalwart defensive play, CSU has also been dominant on the boards. The Rams’ Andrea Brady is accustomed to owning the offensive and defensive glass. This season, Brady is averaging 9.3 rebounds per game, placing her third in the Mountain West for rebounding.

CSU women’s basketball imposes their will on opponents with their physical brand of basketball. Nevada should be planning to spread the floor and take away the Rams’ ability to control the paint. However, Nevada lacks a 3-point threat to do so.

This season, the Wolf Pack has been shooting a horrific 28.5% from behind the arc. The Mountain West Conference is not used to seeing the Wolf Pack struggle to score from the 3-point line. However, with the Rams posing a stout defense and dominating the interior, Nevada will have a rough time trying to score and control the pace of the game. 

Colorado State will be the favorite to win this Mountain West Conference matchup, but nothing is certain. With defensive control and dominance in the paint, CSU will be in position to knock Nevada out of any post-season contention. We will find out if the Rams team has what it takes on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Reno, Nevada.

Jack Taylor can be reached at sports@collegian.com or on Twitter @j_taylr.