The CSU Rams(15-11, 6-6) are coming off a beating from UNLV and couldn't be happier to be back in the confines of Moby Arena, even if it is to face off against #10 New Mexico(25-3, 11-2). The Lobos are the highest ranked team to visit Moby Arena in a decade. The Lobos are riding an 11 game win streak, five of those 11 games were close calls, but winning is winning and the Lobos are doing it better then anyone in the MWC this year. Colorado State is giving out free "Gold Rush" T-Shirts to the first 1000 students tonight. CSU students love free shirts about as much as free booze so expect a packed and rowdy student section tonight at Moby. Catch more after the jump...
The New Mexico Lobos control their own MWC destiny, win out and they get the title. For now the Lobos need to worry about the 10.5 point underdog Rams. Dairese Gary has been amazing for the Lobos of late, scoring baskets and dishing out assists when the Lobos need them most. Gary will be the biggest problem for the Rams defense as they have had issues with drive and dish guards all year. Darington Hobson might not have his usual big game, he was held to 10 points and a poor shooting performance the first time these two teams meet this year. However, he is still Darington Hobson so he could control the game all night.
For the Rams it is simple, shoot a whole lot better then they did last game. You can't beat anyone shooting 22%, much less a top ten team. The Rams have been much better at home then on the road this year. Andy Ogide will need to show up big for the Rams. In the first meeting with the Lobos Ogide only had 14 minutes and didn't start because his play was awful, expect a different Ogide tonight. Another player to watch will be Travis Busch, if the Rams can find him for that mid range jumper he can put up a quick and quiet 10-12 points. One big factor will be turnovers again for the Rams, after winning the turnover margin by +3 against BYU the Rams were -4 against UNLV.
The game is broadcast live tonight on the MTN at 8PM MST.