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Colorado State University Athletics
Tuesday, December 30
Fort Collins, CO
7:00 p.m.
Colorado State
vs
Nevada
Rams Struggle to Finish in Loss to Nevada
12/30/2025 10:08:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Shifting roles define a 75-62 loss in the second conference game of the season
Coming back from holiday festivities can make everything feel slower.
The days stretch a little longer and students trickle back into college towns, ready for winter basketball. On Tuesday, Colorado State faced Nevada in its second conference matchup—a 75-62 loss which reflected the evolving roster.
The game's opening mirrored the lull between Christmas and New Year's: sluggish, yet building toward something new. That sense of transition was amplified by the absence of Rashaan Mbebma and Kyle Jorgensen, both sidelined with injuries, forcing the Rams to lean heavily on their bench.
The strain on team chemistry early on was evident as CSU struggled to find rhythm and flow in its offensive sets.
"Kyle brings a lot, especially chemistry-wise, and obviously a really good player, too," Brandon Rechsteiner said. "So, when we get our chemistry, we're better. We'll be fine."
Rechsteiner's words proved prophetic later in the game. He became the spark CSU desperately needed, hitting three consecutive 3s and finishing 4-of-7 from deep. His confidence seemed to ripple through the team, and Jevin Muniz followed suit with a season-high 15 points on 48% shooting.
For a brief stretch, the Rams looked poised to seize control. But the momentum was fleeting. Ten lead changes underscored a tug-of-war which lasted until the final minutes, where execution—not effort—made the difference.
"Most of the night we did a great job, two of their best players go two for 17," Coach Ali Farokhmanesh said. "At the end of the day, it comes down to finishing possessions. In this league, margins are small. One offensive rebound in the first half costs you just as much as one in the last minute."
Those margins were painfully clear on the stat sheet. CSU's bench contributed only four points by halftime compared to Nevada's 12, finishing with ten overall.
Josh Pascarelli's lone three-pointer with 7:18 left briefly electrified the crowd, but the energy spike wasn't enough to overcome structural issues. Adjustments couldn't wait for perfect timing. They had to be decisive, and CSU struggled to make those adjustments stick in the long term.
"Yeah, it's just frustrating to lose like that," Muniz admitted. "We know what we should be doing to prevent it. If we get those rebounds, it's a whole different outcome."
The frustration stemmed not only from missed opportunities but also from the strain of a lineup stretched thin.
Auggie Kiudulas stepped in for Jorgensen, shifting from his usual role at the four to cover all five positions—a daunting task under pressure. His effort was commendable, but the lack of experience showed in moments where flow and spacing broke down, leaving CSU vulnerable in key possessions.
"Just a lot of new guys playing different positions," Rechsteiner said. "Augie's basically playing all five now. He did a good job, but he's got to flow a little faster."
This time of year, injuries become routine, and games hinge on both physical health and mental resilience.
For CSU, the mental side loomed large, influencing how possessions were finished and how confidence was maintained in crunch time. Farokhmanesh remains focused on what can be controlled, emphasizing patience and preparation over panic. A mindset which could define the Rams' trajectory in the coming weeks.
"I'd be lying if I said I worried too much," he said. "Rashaan's doing everything he can, and our staff is working hard. But I don't want to rush it and risk something worse. We said this team had depth, and now we're being tested. I'm excited for these guys to take the next step when we get back to practice on the first."
As the calendar turns and routines settle back in, CSU's loss to Nevada feels like a snapshot of a team mid-metamorphosis. The Rams are learning who they are without familiar pieces, discovering which voices rise when momentum wavers and conference play continues further.
If this game marked the uneasy stillness between holidays, what follows may be the workmanlike grind that defines a season. Kind of like a New Year's resolution.
The resolution will have to hold firm against Grand Canyon on the 3rd marking the CSU's third conference game.
The days stretch a little longer and students trickle back into college towns, ready for winter basketball. On Tuesday, Colorado State faced Nevada in its second conference matchup—a 75-62 loss which reflected the evolving roster.
The game's opening mirrored the lull between Christmas and New Year's: sluggish, yet building toward something new. That sense of transition was amplified by the absence of Rashaan Mbebma and Kyle Jorgensen, both sidelined with injuries, forcing the Rams to lean heavily on their bench.
The strain on team chemistry early on was evident as CSU struggled to find rhythm and flow in its offensive sets.
"Kyle brings a lot, especially chemistry-wise, and obviously a really good player, too," Brandon Rechsteiner said. "So, when we get our chemistry, we're better. We'll be fine."
Rechsteiner's words proved prophetic later in the game. He became the spark CSU desperately needed, hitting three consecutive 3s and finishing 4-of-7 from deep. His confidence seemed to ripple through the team, and Jevin Muniz followed suit with a season-high 15 points on 48% shooting.
For a brief stretch, the Rams looked poised to seize control. But the momentum was fleeting. Ten lead changes underscored a tug-of-war which lasted until the final minutes, where execution—not effort—made the difference.
"Most of the night we did a great job, two of their best players go two for 17," Coach Ali Farokhmanesh said. "At the end of the day, it comes down to finishing possessions. In this league, margins are small. One offensive rebound in the first half costs you just as much as one in the last minute."
Those margins were painfully clear on the stat sheet. CSU's bench contributed only four points by halftime compared to Nevada's 12, finishing with ten overall.
Josh Pascarelli's lone three-pointer with 7:18 left briefly electrified the crowd, but the energy spike wasn't enough to overcome structural issues. Adjustments couldn't wait for perfect timing. They had to be decisive, and CSU struggled to make those adjustments stick in the long term.
"Yeah, it's just frustrating to lose like that," Muniz admitted. "We know what we should be doing to prevent it. If we get those rebounds, it's a whole different outcome."
The frustration stemmed not only from missed opportunities but also from the strain of a lineup stretched thin.
Auggie Kiudulas stepped in for Jorgensen, shifting from his usual role at the four to cover all five positions—a daunting task under pressure. His effort was commendable, but the lack of experience showed in moments where flow and spacing broke down, leaving CSU vulnerable in key possessions.
"Just a lot of new guys playing different positions," Rechsteiner said. "Augie's basically playing all five now. He did a good job, but he's got to flow a little faster."
This time of year, injuries become routine, and games hinge on both physical health and mental resilience.
For CSU, the mental side loomed large, influencing how possessions were finished and how confidence was maintained in crunch time. Farokhmanesh remains focused on what can be controlled, emphasizing patience and preparation over panic. A mindset which could define the Rams' trajectory in the coming weeks.
"I'd be lying if I said I worried too much," he said. "Rashaan's doing everything he can, and our staff is working hard. But I don't want to rush it and risk something worse. We said this team had depth, and now we're being tested. I'm excited for these guys to take the next step when we get back to practice on the first."
As the calendar turns and routines settle back in, CSU's loss to Nevada feels like a snapshot of a team mid-metamorphosis. The Rams are learning who they are without familiar pieces, discovering which voices rise when momentum wavers and conference play continues further.
If this game marked the uneasy stillness between holidays, what follows may be the workmanlike grind that defines a season. Kind of like a New Year's resolution.
The resolution will have to hold firm against Grand Canyon on the 3rd marking the CSU's third conference game.
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's BasketballColorado State Basketball (M): Ali Farkohmanesh Post-Game (Nevada)
Tuesday, December 30
Colorado State Basketball (M): Brandon Rechsteiner (L) & Jevin Muniz (R) Post-Game (Nevada)
Tuesday, December 30
Colorado State Basketball (M): Ali Farokhmanesh Post-Game (Northern New Mexico)
Sunday, December 14
Colorado State Basketball (M): Brandon Recsteiner (L) & Darnez Slater (R) Post-Game (Northern New Mexico)
Sunday, December 14