Why the next four games can make or break CSU's NCAA Tournament chances

FORT COLLINS, CO. —  With a 7-1 start against the Mountain West including a historic comeback win over San Diego State, Colorado State men’s basketball (10-2) has outplayed all national expectations so far this season. 

As things currently stand the Rams rank 78th in KenPom, 56th in NET, and they’re sitting right below Utah State and Boise State for the top spot in the conference. 

Now, obviously there is still plenty of ball to be played. In total, CSU has 13 games left in the regular season. (Everyone knocks on wood.**) But with the next four being against the league-leading Aggies and Broncos, it’s safe to say that this stretch has the potential to make or break the campaign. 

At the moment the Rams are regularly being forecasted to make the NCAA Tournament. Winning three or four of these Quad 1 games would go a long way to ensure it actually happens this spring.

Beating the top dogs would also put CSU in excellent position to take the regular season league title — something that could very well be more important than ever. No conference tournament games, or regular season for that matter, are guaranteed in the COVID-19 era, so anything CSU can do to boost their national status is important. 

It should be noted that even after these four the Rams will still have a two-part Border War in Laramie, WY., where it’s never easy to win regardless of how either team is playing coming in. The late-February trip to Nevada won’t be a picnic either.

The Rams should be favored heavily in their home games against New Mexico, Northern Colorado and Air Force, though. So, really, it does kinda come down to the Utah State and Boise State games for the Green & Gold to put themselves in the driver’s seat. 

Here’s a look at how those teams have played this season and who the Ram Faithful should have their eyes on. 

Utah State (11-3, 8-0)

Team MVP: Neemias Queta | 7’0, 245 lbs. | 12.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.9 blocks per game.

Sidekick: Justin Bean | 6’7, 210 lbs. | 10.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists per game. 

Key wins: SDSU (x2)

Boise State  (12-1, 8-0)

Team MVP: Derrick Alston | 6’9, 190 lbs. | 16.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists per game. 

Sidekick: Abu Kigab | 6’7, 220 lbs. | 13.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists per game. 

Key wins: @ BYU, Wyoming (x2)