BREAKING: The CSU Rams suffered their first loss of the season in a nail-biting game against the Denver Pioneers, falling 83-81 at Moby Arena on November 17, 2023. Despite a valiant effort and a chance to win at the buzzer, the Rams couldn’t seal the deal, leaving fans in shock.
The Rams struggled with their shooting, hitting only 79.5% of their free throws and 44.4% from beyond the arc. With just seconds remaining, Josh Pascarelli missed a critical three-pointer that would have clinched victory, marking a disappointing end to a hard-fought game and dropping CSU to 4-1 for the season.
CSU came out strong, leading 19-11 early in the first half, but the Pioneers quickly rallied, taking their first lead at 21-20 midway through the half. The teams went back and forth, with Denver leading 41-33 at halftime after a buzzer-beater by Carson Johnson.
The second half saw a fierce battle as CSU fell behind but responded with a 12-2 run, tying the game at 45 with 15:36 left. However, the Pioneers regained momentum, opening up a 61-56 lead after hitting six straight field goals.
As the clock ticked down to 43 seconds, CSU closed the gap to 80-79 thanks to a pair of free throws from Carey Booth. The Rams had a chance to take the lead but missed crucial opportunities, resulting in a tense final sequence.
After trading free throws, Denver held an 83-81 lead when CSU called a timeout with just 2.3 seconds left. The Rams’ hopes rested on Pascarelli’s final shot, which fell short, sealing their fate in a heartbreaking loss.
Kyle Jorgensen led CSU with a remarkable 29 points, setting a new career high for the third time this season. Booth contributed 18 points and 5 rebounds, while Brandon Rechsteiner added 11 points.
Looking ahead, the Rams are set to face Virginia Tech on Wednesday in the Battle 4 Atlantis, held in Paradise Island, Bahamas. Fans are eager to see how this loss will shape the team’s strategy moving forward.
This heartbreaking defeat not only stings for the players but also highlights the intense competition this season. CSU fans are left wondering how their team will bounce back as they continue their quest for victory. Stay tuned for more updates on the Rams’ journey!
