UPDATE: The CSU Rams faced a shocking defeat against the Denver Pioneers, falling 83-81 in a tightly contested matchup at Moby Arena on November 10, 2023. This marks the Rams’ first loss of the season, dropping their record to 4-1.
Despite a late-game surge, the Rams struggled with their shooting, hitting just 79.5% from the free-throw line and 44.4% from beyond the arc. With only 2.3 seconds remaining, a chance to win slipped through their fingers when Josh Pascarelli’s last-second 3-pointer missed the mark.
The game started positively for CSU, who took an early lead at 19-11 before the Pioneers rallied to take control. At halftime, Denver led 41-33 after Carson Johnson’s buzzer-beater 3-pointer. The Rams showed resilience, embarking on a 12-2 run to tie the game at 45 early in the second half.
From that point, the teams exchanged leads, but the Pioneers pulled ahead with a powerful scoring streak. The Rams battled back repeatedly, closing the gap to just a point at 80-79 thanks to a pair of clutch free throws by Carey Booth.
In a nail-biting finish, the Rams had multiple opportunities to seize the lead but fell short. Jevin Muniz missed a crucial layup that could have shifted momentum after Booth’s block created a fast break. The Pioneers capitalized on the Rams’ missed chances, maintaining their lead with timely free throws.
Kyle Jorgensen led the Rams with an impressive 29 points, marking his third career high in five games. Booth contributed with 18 points and 5 rebounds, while Brandon Rechsteiner added 11 points.
CSU will look to rebound quickly, facing Virginia Tech next Wednesday at the Battle 4 Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas. Fans are eager to see if the Rams can bounce back from this tough defeat and regain their momentum.
As the basketball season progresses, every game becomes critical for CSU. This loss highlights the competitive nature of college basketball and the thin margins that often determine victory or defeat. Stay tuned for further updates as the Rams continue their season.
