Affiliate Disclosure This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a commission.
AAC Men's Basketball College Basketball MW Men's Hoops 

Can Colorado State Begin a Magical Run vs. Memphis?

> The Rams hope to be among the double-digit seeds expected to wreak havoc this March
, 1 min read
Nique Clifford and the CSU Rams bring a 10-game winning streak into their first round matchup vs Memphis | Mountain West Conference


  By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports

March 20, 2025


March Madness logoEvery March there is a double-digit seed that makes a lot of noise and a player that takes over the tournament in the clutch.

This March, Colorado State has a chance to be that team and Nique Clifford could be that guy.

We have seen a 12 seed knock off a 5 seed in 33 of the last 39 men’s tournaments. Will lightning strike again in Seattle?

No. 12 Colorado State vs No. 5 Memphis

Friday, March 21
11:00 am PT, TBS
West Region, Seattle

Entering this NCAA Tournament, the 12 seed has pulled the upset in the opening round 35.3% of the time.

We saw one such upset Thursday with McNeese State defeating Clemson, and we could see more on Friday.

The Rams are a popular choice to pull the 12 over 5 upset this season, and for good reason.

CSU comes in red hot, having won 10 in a row, and is matched up with a Memphis team that had their struggles in the AAC tournament, despite their current eight-game winning streak.

Memphis F Dain Dainja scored 22 vs UAB
Memphis F Dain Dainja scored 22 vs UAB | The Athletic

The Rams will need to avoid turnovers.

Memphis is good at turning teams over as the Tigers force a miscue on 18.6% of possessions.

CSU ranks 199th in the nation with a turnover on 17.0% of their offensive possessions.

The Rams need to take care of the basketball to have a chance.

Another issue for the Tigers is the loss of Tyrese Hunter for this game. The Tigers could have used his 1.5 steals per game to set the tone.

Stephen Vilardo
Latest posts by Stephen Vilardo (see all)