(Mandatory Credit: Vic Acquino/MWCConnection)Matt HanifanThu, March 12, 2026 at 3:17 AM UTC·2 min read
Colorado State Fresno StateOnce again, the Colorado State Rams proved they were resilient.
This time, the stakes were a little bit higher.
The No. 7-seeded Rams saw themselves down five to No. 10 Fresno State at halftime after a dreadful half offensively, where they shot just 31.0 percent, including 4-of-13 from 3-point range. Fresno State’s defense looked far more energized, but Colorado State’s offense didn’t look very crisp.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementYet, that didn’t matter. Fueled by Jase Butler’s 20 points, the Rams secured a 67-63 victory to advance past the Bulldogs in the first round of the Mountain West Tournament.
The last of Butler’s seven buckets — six of which came in the second half — was a powerful left-handed finish through DeShawn Gory with 27 seconds left, all but icing the Rams’ eighth victory over their last nine contests.
That layup was also the first-and-only 2-pointer the sophomore guard made, burying a season-high six 3-pointers (on nine attempts) en route to his second 20-point game of the season.
The 6-foot-4 guard has been one of the Rams’ primary catalysts over this red-hot stretch for Colorado State. But he wasn’t the only one Wednesday. Another first-year Ram — junior forward Carey Booth — impressed in his MW Tourney debut, scoring 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting (6-8 FT) with six rebounds.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNeither team shot well, but Colorado State was more efficient in the second half, shooting 46.7 percent from the floor and 35.3 percent from 3-point range. More importantly, they held Fresno State — save for Jake Heidbreder — in check after halftime. Fresno shot just 40.7 percent, including 5-of-15 from 3-point range.
Colorado State will play No. 2 San Diego State at 6:00 p.m. PST.
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