Amanda Knapp
The Colorado State Rams, representing Colorado State University, have a rich history in NCAA Division I basketball. With 13 appearances in the NCAA tournament, the Rams have fostered several notable rivalries, including those with in-state opponents such as Colorado, Denver, and Northern Colorado. In recent years, the Rams have continued to make their mark, with a memorable win against AP #8 Creighton in 2023 and a Mountain West Conference title in 2025. The team's success has been built on the foundation of strong individual and collective performances, with players like Isaiah Stevens, Nique Clifford, and Kyan Evans leading the way.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | November 23, 2023 |
| Opponent | AP #8 Creighton |
| Score | 69-48 |
| Tournament | Hall of Fame Classic championship game |
| Player of the game | Isaiah Stevens (MVP) |
| Recent tournament | Mountain West Conference |
| Recent opponent | Nevada |
| Score | 67-59 |
| Player of the game | Nique Clifford |
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What You'll Learn
The Colorado State Rams men's basketball team
The Rams have made 13 appearances in the NCAA tournament, most recently in 2025, when they won their first Mountain West Conference title since 2003. The team has notable rivalries with several schools, including Air Force, the University of Denver, and the University of Northern Colorado.
The Colorado State Rams have had several notable wins throughout their history. On December 22, 1999, they upset AP #18 UCLA 55-54 in a Pearl Harbor Classic tournament game in Hawaii. In 2003, the Rams pulled off a thrilling comeback victory against Purdue, scoring a three-pointer with 0.7 seconds left to win by two points.
The team has also produced several players who have gone on to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA) or the American Basketball Association (ABA). Twelve former Colorado State players have appeared in one of these leagues, showcasing the talent that has come through the program.
The Rams have also had their fair share of memorable losses. As of 2024, they trail in-state rival Colorado 94-41 in their series. However, they hold winning records against other in-state rivals, such as the University of Denver (96-68) and the University of Northern Colorado (70-38).
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The Rams' star player, Nique Clifford
Dominique Akai "Nique" Clifford, born on February 9, 2002, is an American college basketball player for the Colorado State Rams. Hailing from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Clifford attended The Vanguard School and excelled in basketball from an early age. During his senior year, he averaged an impressive 26.3 points, 13.7 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 3.5 steals, and 2.8 blocks per game, earning him the prestigious Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year award.
Clifford initially chose to play college basketball for the Colorado Buffaloes, where he averaged 6.7 points and 4.6 rebounds in his sophomore season. He then improved during his junior year, appearing in 35 games with 33 starts and averaging 5.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. However, seeking new opportunities, Clifford entered the NCAA transfer portal after the season.
Clifford became a pivotal player for the Rams, stepping up as their number one option after Isaiah Stevens' graduation. His outstanding performance places him in the top five in the conference for scoring, second in rebounding, and within the top 10 in assists. On a national scale, he is one of only two players averaging over 16 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, the other being Auburn's star player, Johni Broome. Clifford's exceptional abilities have not gone unnoticed, and he is now a likely NBA draft pick, showcasing his growth and potential.
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The Rams' head coach, Niko Medved
Medved's success with the Rams continued into the 2024-2025 season, where they achieved notable victories. On November 23, 2023, the Rams, under Medved's leadership, upset AP #8 Creighton 69-48 in the Hall of Fame Classic championship game. This was a significant win, as it was their first victory over a top 10 opponent since 1984. The Rams' success in the 2024-2025 season culminated in winning the 2025 Mountain West Conference men's basketball tournament, their first conference title since 2003.
Medved's impressive achievements with the Colorado State Rams have not gone unnoticed. In March 2025, it was reported that Minnesota was planning to hire him as their next head coach. This move was expected, as Medved is a native of Minnesota and had a successful run with the Rams, taking them within one basket of the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. Medved's departure from Colorado State was anticipated after a remarkable season, leaving the Rams with a 26-10 record.
Before joining Colorado State, Medved had a notable coaching career at Furman University. He took over a struggling program in 2013 and consistently improved the team's performance year after year. In his third season, the Paladins achieved a 19-16 overall record and won the school's first postseason victory in 40 years. Medved's exceptional coaching was recognised when he was named SoCon Coach of the Year in 2017, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and dedicated coach.
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The Rams' win over Creighton in 2023
The Colorado State Rams celebrated a thrilling victory over Creighton in 2023, securing a memorable win that showcased their determination and skill. The Rams, ranked 20/21 at the time, faced a challenging opponent in Creighton, who were ranked 8th in the nation.
The game, played on November 23, 2023, was a closely fought contest, with the Rams ultimately emerging as the winners with a final score of 69-48. The victory was a significant achievement for Colorado State, as they became the champions of the 2023 Hall of Fame Classic. The Rams' success was built on a strong team performance, with several players making crucial contributions.
Isaiah Stevens, the team's guard, delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 20 points, including 14 in the second half. Stevens also led the team with seven assists and seven rebounds, showcasing his all-around ability. His performance earned him the tournament MVP award, a well-deserved recognition for his impact on the game.
The Rams' victory was not solely dependent on Stevens, as other players stepped up to make key plays. Nique Clifford, a CSU wing, was a standout performer, scoring 15 points, grabbing a team-high six rebounds, and displaying strong defensive skills. Clifford's breakaway exclamation dunk in the final minute sealed the deal for the Rams, solidifying their lead and energizing the crowd.
The win over Creighton was a testament to the Rams' resilience and toughness. They faced injuries and adversity, with players like Patrick Cartier and Lake battling through physical ailments to contribute to the team's success. The Rams' defensive dominance and ability to maintain their lead, despite a strong fightback from Creighton, demonstrated their mental fortitude and determination to secure the win.
The Colorado State Rams' victory over Creighton in 2023 was a memorable moment for the team and their fans, showcasing the talent and determination that would propel them towards further success in the season.
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The Rams' rivalry with Air Force
The Rams of Colorado State University have a rivalry with the Air Force Academy Falcons, based in Colorado Springs. The rivalry is not only fuelled by the proximity of the two institutions but also by the fact that they have competed in the same athletic conferences for many years. Both teams were members of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) from 1980 and then moved to the Mountain West Conference in 1999.
The two teams have a long history of playing each other, with the 62nd game between them taking place in October 2024. The winner of the game between the Rams and the Falcons is awarded the Ram-Falcon Trophy, donated by a former ROTC commander at Colorado State. The trophy series is led by the Air Force, with 28 wins to Colorado State's 16 as of 2024.
The rivalry is considered to be in danger of ending, as Colorado State is set to leave the Mountain West Conference for the Pac-12 in 2026. This will limit the Rams' schedule flexibility, and they already have non-conference games booked up until 2027. Air Force also has a tight future schedule, as they play Army and Navy annually. However, both institutions recognise the importance of the rivalry and its historic nature for their fan bases, and there is a desire to continue playing each other if possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, CSU won 67-59.
Yes, CSU upset AP #8 Creighton 69-48 in the Hall of Fame Classic championship game.
Yes, CSU won by two points.
Yes, CSU beat #9 seed Missouri 84-72 in the "Round of 64" of the NCAA tournament.
