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The Colorado State Rams came into their first Mountain West tournament game looking to shake the Nevada game from their memories. Thanks to a 25-0 run against Wyoming, the Air Force Falcons were the perfect opponent for the Rams.
It looked like the Falcons would continue their hot streak from the previous night. The defense of the Rams shut that door. It took until 7:30 left in the first half, but the Rams picked up their defensive intensity.
From 8:06 in the first half to 16:15 in the second half, a span of 11 minutes and 51 seconds, the Falcons only scored 2 points. Only two Falcons were in double digits, Hayden Graham (15) and Lavelle Scottie (12), and no other Falcon had more than six points.
The Rams were led by Mountain West Player of the Year Gian Clavell offensively. He finished with 30 points on 10-16 from the field, 6-11 from 3, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Emmanuel Omogbo (12) and Prentiss Nixon (15) were two others who finished in the double figures.
Nico Carvacho was the final Ram to finish in double figures, ending up just short of a double-double with 10 points and 9 rebounds before fouling out. Carvacho is really growing into an important piece of the Rams puzzle. Coach Larry Eustachy believes Carvacho will be one of the best big men in the Mountain West soon.
The Rams will face the winner of the San Diego State/Boise State game on Friday at 10:30 pm MT on CBS Sports Network.