Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State
UNLV
Rams give Rebels run for their money
1/5/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 5, 2008
FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Fans got the price of admission and more as Colorado State and UNLV battled down to the final seconds of the game before a pair of free throws by Wink Adams put the Rebels up three points for a 65-62 win in front of 4,023 fans at Moby Arena Saturday afternoon. CSU's Marcus Walker used every trick in the book and scored a game-high 18 points.
Without big man Stuart Creason, the Rams (6-8, 0-1) needed heart and stifling defense, and they got it. CSU was able to lead four times the game, including a stretch of more than nine minutes in the second half, against a veteran UNLV squad.
The Rams defense was strong, forcing nine turnovers and swiping four balls. They also held the Rebels to just 33.8 percent shooting from the field.
"We had to make them one-dimensional, so I gave into the zone defense," said Head Coach Tim Miles. "Walker was the one who could break through the defense. UNLV's pressure is so good and they do things so well. Pass, catch, cut -- that is what we had to do.
"Marcus was really good tonight. He was able to find the creases and driving lanes. He attacked, created opportunities for others and made some tough shots. He was a play-making guard tonight and we need him to do that."
The Rebels (12-3, 1-0) threw up 37 three-point shots in the game, making 11 of them. Adams and Curtis Terry each had 18 points while Rene Rougeau pulled down 11 rebounds.
In addition to his 18 points, Walker had seven assists, four rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot. Center Ronnie Aguilar had a career-high four blocks to go along with a team-leading 11 boards. Also in double figures for CSU were Andre McFarland with 14 points and Jesse Woodard with 10.
The Rams will play the final non-conference game of the season against Oklahoma Panhandle State Tuesday in Moby Arena at 7 p.m.
