FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — Patrick Cartier scored a season-high 21 points, Nique Clifford and Isaiah Stevens went a combined 8 of 9 on free throws down the stretch and No. 13 Colorado State held off New Mexico 76-68 Tuesday night in the Mountain West Conference opener for both teams.
The Rams (13-1, 1-0) opened a 17-point lead with 5:15 remaining, only to see the Lobos (12-2, 0-1) storm back and make things interesting. Clifford and Stevens ended the comeback bid at the line as the Rams won their fourth straight since a home loss to Saint Mary’s on Dec. 9.
Stevens had 18 points and eight assists in his 131st career start. He’s one away from matching the program mark held by Nico Carvacho (2015-20). Stevens already holds school records for points (he went over 2,000 on Tuesday) and assists.
Clifford finished with 12 points and 10 boards.
In a back-and-forth game, the Rams pulled away midway through the second half courtesy of a 19-5 run. Joe Palmer, known as “Headband Joe” for wearing … well, a headband … got the crowd revved up with a deep 3-pointer. But a big lead was trimmed to six with 20 seconds left.
JT Toppin had 17 points and 11 rebounds for New Mexico, and Jaelen House scored 14 despite dealing with foul trouble most of the game. The Lobos struggled from the free throw line, going 4 of 11 as their 11-game winning streak was snapped with their first loss in nearly two months.
New Mexico was at full strength for the first time since the first game of the season. Jamal Mashburn Jr. returned last game after missing seven with thigh and thumb injuries. He had 13 points.
Entering the game against the Rams, Mashburn and House had only played 37 minutes together on the court.
BIG PICTURE
New Mexico: The Lobos were outrebounded by a 39-28 margin.
Colorado State: Rams coach Niko Medved improved to 7-2 against New Mexico, while Lobos coach Richard Pitino fell to 1-4 versus the Rams.
FAMILIAR OPENER
This was the second straight season the Lobos and Rams opened conference play against one another. The Lobos won 88-69 in New Mexico last season.
UP NEXT
New Mexico: Will host Wyoming on Saturday.
Colorado State: Plays at Utah State on Saturday.
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AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
