CSU Rams Surge to Fourth Straight Win, Defeating Dartmouth 76-55

UPDATE: The Colorado State Rams powered through a slow start to secure their fourth consecutive victory, overpowering Dartmouth with a decisive 76-55 win at Moby Arena on December 19, 2023. This latest triumph improves CSU’s record to 8-2 as they prepare for their final non-conference showdown.

Despite a shaky first half following an emotional win against Colorado, CSU rebounded to dominate after halftime. First-year head coach Ali Farokhmanesh acknowledged the team’s initial struggles, attributing them to the emotional toll of their previous game. “I’m glad we got the win, and we won by a good margin,” Farokhmanesh stated, highlighting the Rams’ resilience in the second half.

Leading the charge was Brandon Rechsteiner, who scored 14 points—all in the first half—while Kyle Jorgensen added 12 points and Jevin Muniz contributed 11 points. The Rams’ defense, though inconsistent, managed to hold Dartmouth to the fewest points allowed by CSU this season.

The game began tightly contested, with Dartmouth initially taking an 8-6 lead. However, back-to-back three-pointers from Rechsteiner quickly shifted momentum. CSU’s largest lead of the half was 11 points, and they went into halftime with a 33-24 advantage.

In the second half, Dartmouth cut the lead to just four points, but CSU responded with a powerful 14-3 run to reclaim control. The Rams extended their lead to as much as 24 points late in the game, showcasing their scoring depth as all twelve players contributed points.

Despite the win, players acknowledged the need for improvement on defense. “We still won the game, so it was better to learn that way,” said Jace Butler, emphasizing the importance of defensive intensity as they head into conference play.

CSU will face Northern New Mexico in their final non-conference game on December 24 at 1 p.m. before opening Mountain West Conference play on December 20 against Utah State. As the Rams continue their quest for a successful season, fans remain hopeful for what lies ahead.

This victory not only reflects the Rams’ talent but also their potential as they gear up for the challenges of conference competition. Stay tuned for more updates as CSU approaches a pivotal stretch in their season.