In the second game of the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Colorado State dominated, defeating Virginia 67-42. This victory marks the Rams’ first tournament win since 2013 and their 25th win of the year. They advance to the round of 64, where they will face the Midwest seventh seed, the Texas Longhorns. While Virginia appeared to have a chance at their first tournament win since their 2019 national championship victory, Colorado State took control.
Led by Nique Clifford and Joel Scott, the Rams stifled Virginia’s struggling offense, limiting them to a 25% shooting percentage from the field, their lowest of the year. Virginia had the lowest scoring average of any tournament team at 62.9 points per game, and their 14-for-56 shooting night was a significant drop from their usual 43.4% field goal percentage. On the offensive end, Colorado State had a strong performance, shooting over half their field goals.
Photo Cred: USA Today
Transfer senior Nique Clifford had an impressive all-around game with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Clifford’s impact was evident throughout the game with timely cuts to the basket and creating opportunities for his teammates. Defensively, he held Virginia’s leading scorer this season, Isaac McKneely, to just six points on a 2-for-13 shooting night. Another standout for the Rams was Joel Scott, leading CSU with 23 points and securing another double-double with 11 rebounds in the victory.
Colorado State dominated the rebounding battle, grabbing 43 rebounds compared to Virginia’s 24. The Rams’ focus and physicality in the paint contributed to this advantage, but Virginia’s poor shooting also played a role. Of CSU’s 43 rebounds, 37 were on the defensive end. Virginia had a tough shooting night overall, particularly in the first half when they went 5-for-29.
Photo Cred: Streaking the Lawn
They closed the first half with a ten-and-a-half-minute drought without a field goal. They missed their first five shots of the second half, resulting in 20 consecutive missed field goal attempts. Reece Beekman led Virginia in the losing effort with 15 points and 4 assists. Colorado State now advances to face Texas in the Round of 64 in Charlotte, looking to continue their impressive season. This win adds to one of the best seasons in school history for the Rams.
