Penny Hardaway, No. 5 Memphis Lose to No. 12 CSU as Fans Celebrate March Madness Upset
Despite being the lower-seeded team, No. 12 Colorado State came into its matchup against Penny Hardaway and No. 5 Memphis as the betting favorite, and the Rams showed why with a 78-70 win in the Round of 64.
Colorado State is now heading to the second round for the first time since 2013. The Rams will get the winner of No. 4 Maryland vs. No. 13 Grand Canyon.
Sophomore guard Kyan Evans led the way for Colorado State, posting 23 points on a scorching hot 6-of-9 from deep. Jalen Lake and Nique Clifford each posted 14 while Jaylen Crocker-Johnson had 12.
The first day of the NCAA Tournament was mostly chalk as No. 11 Drake and No. 12 McNeese State were the only major upsets of the day. It's safe to say fans were elated to see another double-digit seed get a win in the first round.
Colorado State has all the makings of a team primed for a Cinderella run. The Rams are ranked No. 43 in KenPom's net ratings and shoot the ball well from deep. The path ahead isn't too difficult, but a win in the Round of 32 would potentially give them a matchup with No. 1 Florida in the Sweet 16.
The momentum is on Colorado State's side after its 11th straight win, now the Rams will look to make it past the first weekend for the first time since 1969 when they reached the Elite Eight.
