Rams top Boise State in bizarre, 2OT thriller

Colorado State 97, Nevada 93 2OT

What went down?

Colorado State beat Boise State in a controversial double-overtime game, winning 97-93 at Moby Arena on Wednesday night. James Webb III had a 3-pointer waved off by the referee's that would have won the game for Boise State at the conclusion of the first overtime.

Six players scored in double-figures for CSU (14-10, 6-5), paced by guards John Gillon and Antwan Scott with 19 points each. Scott shot 3-7 from three and Gillon added seven assists in addition to his 19 points. Freshman Prentiss Nixon played well as a starter, he scored 15 points, making 3-6 shots from beyond the arc. Tiel Daniels added a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds, and Emmanuel Omogbo chipped in 13 points and 9 rebounds. Fred Richardson’s five points and six rebounds may not stand out, but he hit a crucial three in the second overtime while also grabbing key defensive rebounds. He was on the court instead of Omogbo, and that decision paid off for head coach Larry Eustachy.

What does this mean going forward for CSU?

CSU lost two games in a row, but have now two consecutive victories on their resume over solid teams in Boise State and Nevada. They appear to be in a groove and confident. We’ll see how it translates in their next game against UNLV.

Positives

Six double-figure scorers, although the ten extra minutes of basketball helped out. Gillon and Scott continued their strong play from the perimeter, and Daniels was steady down low. De Ciman and Omogbo played well as secondary scorer’s, and Nixon once again played well. Nixon is a great shooter, but he takes care of the ball so well and doesn’t force things when playing on and off the ball. He only committed one turnover in 38 minutes, that’s impressive for a freshman.

The Rams won the rebounding battle, 49-34 and 13-4 on the offensive glass.

CSU got to the free throw line a whopping 41 times, making 30.

Negatives

Boise State made 18-35 shots from deep, you’ll lose on most nights when the opposing team is torching the nets the way Boise State was. CSU is lucky to come out victorious.

Boise State did a great job defending De Ciman. He finished with 10 points on 4-13 shooting. Most importantly, he only made 1-7 from three. De Ciman will need to rebound on Saturday against UNLV.

Co-MVP’s of the game

Gillon and Scott, as they combined for 38 points. CSU needed every single offensive contribution from the backcourt duo.

What’s next?

The Rams head to Las Vegas for yet another key game, against a UNLV team that is suffering through pivotal injuries to Ben Carter and Stephen Zimmerman.