#12 Colorado St vs #5 Memphis: Rapid Recap

​In a thrilling first-round matchup of the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena, the No. 12 seed Colorado State Rams upset the No. 5 seed Memphis Tigers with a final score of 74-71. The Rams, entering the tournament on a 10-game winning streak, showcased resilience and strategic prowess to secure their eleventh consecutive victory.​

First Half: Memphis Dominance in the Paint

Memphis capitalized on their interior strength in the first half, with senior center Dain Dainja leading the charge. Dainja dominated the paint, contributing 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting and grabbing five rebounds. His performance, along with Colby Rogers' 12 points, propelled the Tigers to a 36-31 halftime lead. Memphis' advantage was further highlighted by a 22-12 rebounding edge and a 20-8 disparity in points in the paint. ​

Second Half: Colorado State's Resurgence

The Rams adjusted their strategy in the second half, focusing on perimeter shooting and defensive intensity. Sophomore guard Kyan Evans emerged as a pivotal player, achieving a career-high 21 points, including a crucial three-pointer that extended CSU's lead to 64-54 with 8:29 remaining. This offensive surge was part of a significant 10-2 run that shifted the game's momentum in favor of Colorado State.

Memphis' Late Rally Falls Short

Despite facing a deficit, Memphis rallied in the final minutes. The Tigers narrowed the gap to 68-60 with 3:54 left, but foul trouble hindered their comeback efforts. Notably, star guard PJ Haggerty struggled offensively, shooting 3-of-13 from the field and finishing with seven points.  His shooting woes, combined with the absence of starting point guard Tyrese Hunter due to a left foot injury, limited Memphis' offensive efficiency. ​

Key Factors in Colorado State's Victory

• Perimeter Shooting: The Rams' ability to connect from beyond the arc, particularly in the second half, was instrumental in overcoming Memphis' interior dominance.​

• Bench Contributions: Colorado State's depth played a crucial role, with multiple players stepping up to provide essential points and defensive stops.​

• Defensive Adjustments: The Rams effectively contained Memphis' leading scorers in the latter half, disrupting their offensive rhythm and forcing turnovers.​

This victory propels Colorado State into the Round of 32, where they will aim to extend their remarkable winning streak and continue their Cinderella run in the tournament.