Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State
23-5, 10-5MW
Air Force
12-14, 5-10MW
Men's basketball recap: Rams down Falcons, 66-53
2/21/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
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By Grant Larson
Athletics Communications
FORT COLLINS, Colo. - The Colorado State Rams improved to 23-5 (10-5 MW) with a 66-53 win over the Air Force Falcons (12-14, 5-10) on Saturday at Moby Arena. The win completed the season sweep over the Falcons, and gives the Rams the best mark in program history through 28 games.
"They're special," Head coach Larry Eustachy said of his squad. "I've never had a team more ready to play as often. They really have been just a model of consistency and I think it's because of their character."
Senior guard Daniel Bejarano led the way for the Rams with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including an impressive 5-of-6 performance from behind the arc. Avila followed right behind with 18 points, and junior guard Joe De Ciman was the third Ram in double digits with 12 points.
The Rams were red-hot to open the game, knocking down six of their first eight three point attempts. Avila had a huge first half, scoring 16 of his 18 points, and pulling down five boards in the stanza to help the Rams build a 39-26 advantage. Avila also shot a perfect 3-for-3 from the charity stripe, marking just the third time this season he's shot 100-percent from the line, and the first time since the Charleston Southern matchup on December 22nd.
The Falcons opened the second half with a 6-0 run to make it a 39-32 game, but the Rams quickly answered back with a 9-0 run of their own to regain a double-digit edge. Avila did not play over the final 12 minutes of the game, taking the opportunity to rest a nagging back injury, but the Rams' lead was never in jeopardy as they held on for the 66-53. Eustachy said after the game that he doesn't believe Avila's back spasms are serious, and Avila himself said he could've re-entered the game if necessary.
Saturday's win marked yet another dominating performance on the glass for the Rams, as they outrebounded the Falcons 38-26. The Rams pulled in an impressive 11 offensive boards, led by Avila and junior forward Tiel Daniels with four each, resulting in 10 second-chance points. Colorado State also blocked eight shots and recorded eight steals. De Ciman's three blocked shots tied a career high, as did Bejarano's three steals.
"The only team that can beat us is us," Avila said of the Rams' confidence heading into the final three games of the regular season, and looking ahead to postseason play. "This is what we know and that's how we play. We are pretty confident heading into next month."
The Rams will play their final home game of the year on Wednesday night, hosting San Jose State in the team's annual "Green Out" game on Senior Night next Wednesday at Moby Arena. After the game, which tips at 7 p.m. MT, the Rams will honor the careers of four seniors in Bejarano, Avila, Kidd and Marcus Holt. The contest will be streamed on the MW Network at CSURams.com/videos or TheMW.com. The game is also available across the CSU Radio Network, including flagship 105.5 FM ESPN.
