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Ft. Collins, CO – Colorado State started the game with a 10-0 run and was leading 18-2 at the first television timeout and then cruised to a 93-66 victory over Utah State. Colorado State and Utah State were tied for second place entering the contest.
Colorado State’s combination of elite three-point shooting and stifling defense resulted in a dominating win.
Jaylen Crocker-Johnson hit two shots from three-point range to begin the game. Colorado State shot 65% from the floor in the first half and hit eight of ten shots from distance. They held Utah State to 26.9% from the floor in the half which resulted in a 48-22 halftime lead.
Utah State started the second half with a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to 19 points. Colorado State continued to make three-point shots and increased the lead to 34 points and the game was essentially over at the eight-minute mark.
Colorado State’s dominance cannot be overstated. They shot 58% from the floor and shot 67% from three-point range which is a real field goal percentage of 71% while holding Utah State to 43%.
Colorado State was led by Nique Clifford with 26 points, six rebounds, and nine assists. Jaylen Crocker-Johnson and Bowen Born each scored 18 points. Ian Martinez led Utah State with 17 points.
Colorado State improved to 20-9 and 14-4 in the Mountain West Conference, while Utah State is now 24-6 and 14-5 in the Mountain West.
Players to watch:
Nique Clifford (Colorado State) Graduate, 6”6” 200 SF
Clifford started his career at Colorado and transferred to Colorado State last season and was selected Third team All Mountain West. He considered entering the NBA Draft but decided to return and work on improving certain facets of his game. He turned 23 in early February. He has a 6’8” wingspan (+3), an 8’6” standing reach and a 30” standing vertical and a 37” with step vertical. He has an athletic body and is averaging 17.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He is shooting 36.3% from three-point range. Clifford is a 3 and D wing. He has the ability to finish off the dribble. He had a nice crossover and finished through contact in the second half against Utah State. He has good court vision. Clifford is a good on ball defender and has very good anticipation in disrupting the passing lanes. He can also mix it up inside. I believe he will be a late 1st round or an early 2nd Round pick. He has the potential to be a rotation player in the NBA for many years.
Ian Martinez (Utah State) Graduate. 6’3 185 SG
Ian is from Costa Rica. He started his career at Maryland and was elected Honorable Mention All-MWC last season. He is averaging 17 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game and is shooting 37.2% from three-point range. He projects as a G League player or a mid-level European player depending on the fit
This article was written by Dave Maron, a scout and correspondent for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
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