Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State
IUPUI
Rams 6-0 After 77-65 Win Over IUPUI
12/3/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 3, 2005
Colorado State University moved to 6-0 for the first time since 1970-71 in men's basketball with a 77-65 win over visiting IUPUI Saturday afternoon in Moby Arena.
The Rams used an 18-6 run late in the first half to break the game open.
"I thought our depth, the ability to push the tempo in the first half was the difference," said Rams' coach Dale Layer. "Our intensity was very good to start the game."
Leading by a point, 28-27, guard Stephan Gilling started the run when he hit a three-pointer with 4 minutes, 39 seconds left in the half. Sean Morris and Cory Lewis each added four points during the rally to give the Rams a 46-31 halftime lead.
Colorado State, on Jason Smith's layin with 16 minutes, 43 seconds left in the game, handed Colorado State its largest lead of the game, 16 points, 54-38.
The Jaguars, behind a game-best 26 points from Brandon Cole, closed to within eight just more than four minutes later. But baskets by Micheal Morris and his brother, Sean, stretched the lead back to 12.
"We relaxed in the second half. You can't allow an explosive offensive team to get open looks. We allowed them to start the second half with two or three open looks."
Colorado State had its best shooting night of the season, making 25-of-44 field goals, 56.8 percent, and 20-of-23 free throws, 87 percent.
The Rams, in fact, scored their final 14 points of the game covering the final 10 minutes, 10 seconds, at the free throw line. Sean Morris' three-pointer gave CSU a 63-51 lead, but from that point, the rest of the Rams' points came at the line.
"Our free throws were the difference in maintaining the lead. We stepped up and made free throws," Layer said.
CSU had four players finish in double figures, led by Sean Morris' 15 points, while Jason Smith scored 14 points before fouling out late in the game. Lewis added 13, while Gilling finished with 12. Lewis also had a career-most nine rebounds.
Colorado State returns to action Wednesday, Dec. 7 at Kansas State. Tipoff time is 7 p.m. CT/6 p.m. MT, and can be heard live statewide on the Colorado State Sports Network. The game is also available online at CSURAMS.com by clicking on the Yahoo icon.
