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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 CSU
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
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