UPDATE: The CSU Rams faced a devastating defeat against the Denver Pioneers, losing 83-81 on November 10, 2023, at Moby Arena. This marks the Rams’ first loss of the season, dropping their record to 4-1 despite a last-second attempt to clinch victory.
In a nail-biting finish, the Rams fought back from a 41-33 halftime deficit, showcasing their resilience with a 12-2 run early in the second half. However, missed opportunities at the free-throw line, where they shot only 79.5%, and a critical last-second three-pointer miss from Josh Pascarelli sealed their fate.
The game was tightly contested, with both teams trading leads throughout the second half. After falling behind 61-56 with under ten minutes remaining, the Rams struggled to find their rhythm, going without a field goal for over five minutes. Despite this, Carey Booth managed to bring the score within one point, 80-79, with just 43 seconds left, fueling hopes for a comeback.
In the final moments, the Rams had a chance to take the lead but were thwarted by a missed layup from Jevin Muniz. As the clock wound down, the Pioneers maintained their composure, hitting crucial free throws that left the Rams needing a miracle. Following a timeout with just 2.3 seconds left, Pascarelli’s attempt at a game-winning three-pointer fell short, marking a heartbreaking end to the game.
Kyle Jorgensen led the Rams with an impressive 29 points, setting a new career high for the third time this season. Booth contributed 18 points and 5 rebounds, while Brandon Rechsteiner added 11 points to the scoreboard.
The Rams initially started strong, taking an early lead at 19-11 in the first half, but the Pioneers quickly countered, taking their first lead at 21-20 before closing the half with a three-pointer by Carson Johnson at the buzzer.
Next up, the Rams will look to rebound as they face Virginia Tech on Wednesday, November 15, at the Battle 4 Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas. Fans will be eager to see if CSU can bounce back and regain their winning momentum after this tough loss.
