Las Vegas, NV — Colorado State secured a hard-fought 61-53 win over UNLV on Saturday night, led by a dominant performance from Nique Clifford. Clifford recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds while also contributing five assists.
Kyan Evans matched Clifford’s 14 points and dished out five assists of his own, while Jaylen Crocker-Johnson added 10 points, including two key three-pointers.
The Rams (18-9, 12-4 Mountain West Conference) came out strong defensively, opening the game on a 14-2 run as UNLV struggled with four early turnovers. However, Colorado State’s offense stalled with a 1-for-12 shooting stretch, allowing the Rebels to storm back with a 15-2 run and take a 20-18 lead.
Despite scoring just two points in the first half, Clifford gave CSU a slight 27-26 edge heading into the break with a late basket.
The Rams opened the second half with back-to-back three-pointers from Evans, extending their lead to eight. UNLV responded with a 10-1 run, reclaiming a one-point advantage with 13:01 remaining. Colorado State rebuilt an eight-point cushion, but the Rebels fought back once again, tying the game at 51-all with just over four minutes left.
From there, the Rams clamped down defensively, closing the game on a 10-2 run while holding UNLV scoreless for the final 3:11.
Jailen Bedford led the Rebels (14-13, 8-8) with 17 points and four assists. Jeremiah Cherry added 16 points and six rebounds, while Jalen Hill contributed 10 points, eight rebounds, and two steals.
With the victory, Colorado State strengthens its position in the Mountain West standings, while UNLV looks to bounce back in its next matchup.
