In a stunning upset, the Colorado State Rams dismantled the Virginia Cavaliers with a resounding 67-42 victory in a First Four matchup of the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament. The Rams’ stellar performance on both ends of the court propelled them to a convincing win over the struggling Cavaliers.
Joel Scott led the charge for Colorado State, delivering an impressive double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing his prowess in the paint. Nique Clifford also made significant contributions, adding 17 points to the Rams’ offensive onslaught.
The Rams’ efficiency on offense was evident throughout the game, as they shot an impressive 55.3 percent from the field, consistently finding ways to capitalize on scoring opportunities. In contrast, Virginia endured a nightmarish shooting performance, converting just 25 percent of their field goal attempts and enduring a drought where they missed 19 consecutive shots.
Colorado State head coach Niko Medved lauded his team’s exceptional effort and execution, expressing his surprise at the magnitude of their victory. The Rams’ relentless defensive pressure and disciplined execution on offense proved too much for the Cavaliers to handle, as they struggled to find any rhythm or consistency on the offensive end.
Despite the lopsided result, Virginia head coach Tony Bennett commended his team’s resilience and leadership, particularly highlighting Reece Beekman’s contributions. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by Colorado State’s tenacious defense and physicality, which disrupted the Cavaliers’ offensive flow throughout the game.
The Cavaliers’ offensive woes were evident from the outset, as they struggled to find their scoring touch and fell behind early in the contest. Colorado State capitalized on Virginia’s shooting struggles, building a comfortable lead that they maintained throughout the game.
Virginia’s hopes of mounting a comeback were dashed by Colorado State’s suffocating defense and efficient scoring, as the Rams maintained their dominance until the final buzzer. Despite a late surge from the Cavaliers, the Rams’ lead proved insurmountable, securing their spot in the next round of the NCAA Tournament.
With their impressive victory over Virginia, the Colorado State Rams advance to face the Texas Longhorns in the next round, poised to continue their tournament run with confidence and determination.
