The Colorado State University Rams triumphed over Dartmouth with a decisive score of 76-55 on December 5, 2023, marking their fourth consecutive victory. The game took place at Moby Arena in Fort Collins, where the Rams improved their season record to 8-2, just one game shy of beginning their final stretch in the Mountain West Conference.
Despite being one of the top 3-point shooting teams in the nation, CSU struggled from beyond the arc, converting only seven of their 18 attempts. However, their defense proved effective, restricting the Big Green to their lowest point total of the season.
First-year head coach Ali Farokhmanesh acknowledged that the team’s sluggish start could be attributed to the emotional aftermath of their previous win against Colorado. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s ability to regroup in the second half after leading by nine points at halftime.
“That’s human nature that after you have an emotional game like that on Saturday night in front of a sold-out arena… it’s hard to get ready for the next one,” Farokhmanesh said. “I’m glad we got the win, and we won by a good margin.”
Brandon Rechsteiner led the Rams with 14 points, all scored in the first half. Other notable contributors included Kyle Jorgensen with 12 points, Jevin Muniz with 11, and both Josh Pascarelli and Jase Butler with 10 points each. Although Pascarelli had recently excelled with 16 of 18 3-point shots in previous games, Dartmouth effectively limited his scoring opportunities, with both of his attempts coming in the second half.
The game began tightly contested, but Rechsteiner’s consecutive 3-pointers shifted the momentum, giving CSU a 12-8 lead. The Rams extended their advantage to 11 points following a jumper by Rechsteiner, who fueled their offense throughout the first half.
As the first half concluded, Dartmouth managed to trim the CSU lead to five points, but a series of quick plays, including a layup by Jorgensen and another by Rechsteiner, allowed the Rams to enter halftime with a 33-24 lead.
In the second half, Dartmouth narrowed the gap to 35-31 before CSU erupted with a 14-3 run, establishing a commanding 49-34 lead with just over ten minutes remaining. The Rams ultimately achieved their largest lead of the game at 74-50, securing a comfortable win.
Despite their victory, the Rams recognized areas for improvement. They held Dartmouth to a shooting percentage of 40% and forced 15 turnovers but felt they could enhance their defensive performance as they approach conference play. Jace Butler reflected on the need for stronger defense, stating, “We still won the game, so it was better to learn that way.”
The Rams also excelled in rebounding, edging Dartmouth 25-23, and maintained a slight advantage in assists, 13-12. Free throw attempts were minimal, with CSU converting all three of their attempts while Dartmouth finished 4-of-8.
Next, CSU will face Northern New Mexico in their final nonconference game of the season on December 10, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Moby Arena. Following this matchup, they will kick off Mountain West Conference play against Utah State on December 20.
