The Colorado State University (CSU) Rams pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the fifth-seeded University of Memphis Tigers 78-70 in their NCAA Tournament matchup on Friday. The Rams’ improbable victory marked their first appearance in the round of 32 since 2013.
CSU’s hot-shooting guard Kyan Evans led the way with six three-pointers, including three in the second half, as he rallied his team from a five-point deficit to secure the win. Senior wing Nique Clifford chipped in with 23 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, cementing CSU’s reputation for forgetting how to lose.
The Rams’ impressive victory has propelled them into a heated stretch of college basketball dominance. With their eleventh consecutive win, CSU added Memphis to an impressive list of opponents who have fallen to the team, including Boise State (three times), Utah State (twice), San Diego State, and TCU.
While many expected CSU to be the underdog in this matchup, the team’s superior performance was backed up by NCAA rankings. The Rams’ NET ranking and KenPom.com both placed them as a better team than Memphis entering the game.
With Nique Clifford “on fire” and Evans leading the charge, CSU has solidified its position as a formidable force in college basketball. As they move forward to their next matchup against Maryland, the Rams will look to continue their winning streak with confidence.
Source: https://www.denverpost.com/2025/03/21/csu-rams-memphis-ncaa-tournament-score-penny-hardaway