Rams Advance with Big Plays in Big Moments

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LAS VEGAS – There was a lot about Wednesday's game which didn't go well for Colorado State.

Winning, however, was not one of them, and bottom line, that's all that really matters in March.

"We made some big shots. We got the stops when we needed to," CSU coach Niko Medved said after a 72-62 win over San Jose State. "That's what you have to do. You have to find a way. All these games come down to the last four minutes, and our guys found a way to get the job done.

"Everything is a one-game season right now. It's survive and advance. We were able to do that today, and then we'll get ready for tomorrow."

The No. 7 Rams slugged around much of the afternoon against No. 10 San Jose State in the opening round of the men's portion of the Mountain West basketball tournament. They were not sharp from deep, outside of Joe Palmer. They weren't exactly crisp from the free throw line either.

Where the Rams were not exceptional overall, they did have plenty of exceptional moments from multiple players. Enough of them to bring a smile to Palmer's face.

Fair enough. His play, especially in the first half, had the same effect on his teammates.

"Man, it's exactly what we needed. We were struggling a little bit from some other areas, and Joe just came in just ready to compete, ready to fight, ready to do whatever the team needed," guard Isaiah Stevens said. "Honestly we don't get that win without his performance today."

Colorado State (23-9) was playing catchup most of the first half, hitting just 2-of-10 from behind the arc. Palmer hit both of them. The first was a reward for his hustle in snaring an offensive rebound in traffic. The second was part of the one fantastic spurt they had, a 15-0 run which turned a 25-21 deficit into what would be a 34-29 advantage at halftime. He also had a dunk in the run.

Just doing what he can. And doing it when his team needed it most.

When he needed it most.

"I think, honestly, it was just like thank God. Finally, a little bit," Palmer said. "I've been kind of texting a couple of my coaches all week, you know, it's March, anything can happen. I have a lot of friends texting me. Kind of just saying that to myself before the game. It's March. Anything can happen. I was just, like, about time. It's about time."

He would continue to play well. His four 3s and 14 points where CSU bests for him. It being March, the Spartans played the role of the underdog who just would not go away.

Not with Alvaro Cardenas hitting tough shots to the tune of 18 points. Not with Myron Amey Jr. adding 17 and Latrell Davis scoring 12 of his 16 points in the second half. No, former Colorado State coach Tim Miles' squad was looking to play the role of March spoiler.

The Rams just didn't relent. Nique Clifford had a couple of big blocks and after missing his first three treys, he drained one from the corner with 1:04 remaining to create the necessary separation.

The Rams were also able to get the ball inside to Joel Scott a little more, and he bullied his way to a team-best 18 points. Isaiah Stevens closed with a double-double of 11 points and 10 assists, the 16^th time in his career.

Experience really does matter at tournament time.

"Practice and games are a lot easier when you have guys like Isaiah Stevens, Joel Scott, Pat Cartier, Nique Clifford, and all those guys where you come in every day, and you can't help but smile because they always got your back even when you are struggling," Palmer said, "They come in every day and believe in you and still pass you the ball telling you to shoot it and whatnot. That gives you confidence and belief even when you don't have it in yourself sometimes. I have to give it to my teammates and my coaches for that. It's awesome."

Which is why Palmer was smiling when talking to the media. What about the day was not to love? He played well. That was a personal relief. His team won, even better.

As he left the arena, he was at his peak. He was "peachy."

"Coach loves to tell -- I wear my emotions on my sleeve, and it's very true," Palmer said. "I've been trying since I got here to be better at not being so high and low and staying more even-keel. It's hard not to smile when you have games like this and you are here doing all this stuff, so yeah, I'll keep it on my face for the time being."

Right up until the Rams play No. 2 Nevada at 7 p.m. MT on Thursday. And probably even longer.

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