UNLV upsets CSU for second loss of season, Rams now 16-2

Bryce Hamilton dominates scoring 45 points.

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Collegian | Devin Cornelius

Isaiah Stevens (4) looks back at a defender as he drives toward the basket, during the Colorado State University men’s basketball game vs. the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Jan. 28. The Rams lost 88-74.

CTV Sports: Ella Fredrikson and Cameron Evig

Taylor Paumen, Sports Director
January 28, 2022

The Colorado State University men’s basketball team hit the court in Moby Arena once again to take on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Runnin’ Rebels today. 

The Rebels went into the game 11-9 and eighth in the Mountain West Conference, while the Rams were 16-1 and second in the MW. However, standings didn’t matter, as the Rams fell for the second time this season, 88-74.

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Following tip-off, it took almost three minutes for one of the teams to add to the scoreboard, which ended up being the Rebels adding a three. Through the first half, the Rams struggled to stay on the ball and gain a lead. 

With eight minutes left in the first half, the Rams trailed 24-15 while hanging on by jumpers in the paint and threes. Defense for CSU started to look sloppy as the Rebels stretched their lead by 16 points with two minutes left in the half. 

The Rebels seemed to be building momentum as their shots were falling, but the Rams were building frustration, as their defense wasn’t holding up. The Rams were behind for the biggest gap in their season, closing the half 43-25. 

David Roddy (21) drives past a defender toward the basket
David Roddy (21) drives past a defender toward the basket at Moby Arena for the Colorado State men’s basketball game vs. University of Nevada, Las Vegas Jan. 28. (Collegian | Devin Cornelius)

Getting into the second half, the Rams still had a hard time getting points on the board, besides a few free throws from Isaiah Stevens and a huge three from Dischon Thomas. 

The Rams only seemed to catch a break when referees blew the whistle as they tried to climb back with free throws. UNLV came to win and create an upset as the inevitable seemed to be getting closer with the game clock running down and the Rams falling behind. 

With less than eight minutes left in the game, the Rams pulled out the full-court press and tried creating an advantage in every play. CSU slowly started to creep back into the game as Stevens had 23 points with about seven minutes left in the game, trying to give the Rams a chance.

At the end of the night, the Rams met their match: the Rebels gave CSU their second loss of the season, 88-74. 

The Rams allowed Bryce Hamilton from the Rebels 45 points, seven rebounds and five assists. However, despite the loss, Stevens left Moby with 35 points, eight rebounds and two assists. 

The Rams will head north for their next game as they play the University of Wyoming for the annual Border War Jan. 31 at 6 p.m.

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Reach Taylor Paumen at sports@collegian.com or on Twitter @TayTayPau.