Hot-shooting Tigers roll past CSU in NIT semifinals

FRISCO, TEXAS» The Colorado State men’s basketball team knew it would have its hands full with Memphis’ notably sturdy defense Saturday morning at the Comerica Center.

What the Rams couldn’t have completely anticipated was having to deal with a wildly efficient Tigers offense, too.

In a battle of No. 1 regional seeds, Memphis rolled into the National Invitation Tournament semifinals with the nation’s 15th-best defense, but it was its shooting that powered a 90-67 runaway victory over the Rams.

“Ultimately, we just couldn’t get enough stops defensively,” Medved said. “We let their shooters shoot too many rhythm 3s. You give up 90 points, it’s going to be difficult to win any game. Give them credit. Defensively, it’s something we hadn’t seen all year.”

Memphis entered Saturday owning a perfect 5-0 record in games it scored 80 or more points.

Despite the Rams’ typically formidable defensive scheme, the Tigers showed had little trouble scoring. Though CSU responded from a poor deep-shooting display against NC State in the NIT quarterfinals, everything the green and gold did, UM executed better.

The Rams converted 9-of-27 shots from distance while Penny Hardaway’s group drained 14-of-27 3-pointers amid a lackluster showing for CSU’s perimeter defense –– which began the game surrendering only 7.5 made 3s (29.7%) on average.

“I just thought we let those guys catch and shoot the ball too often, and I don’t know why,” Medved said.

Aside from defending the arc, Memphis bullied the Rams down low for a 34-16 advantage in the paint.

Before the landslide eventually transpired, CSU gained momentum late in the first half with a 15-7 run over the final 3:18. Suddenly, a 14-point deficit stood at 44-38 going into the locker room.

However, when the final 20 minutes commenced, the Tigers seamlessly answered with a 10-0 scoring burst and never looked back.

On Sunday, the Rams meet an opportunity to conclude the campaign on a positive note when facing either No. 4 Louisiana Tech in the NIT third-place game.

“This has been a season with challenges unlike any other,” Medved said. “And it’s gonna be a challenge tomorrow. You’re disappointed. You didn’t play your best today. So how can you pick yourselves up tomorrow and play? But it’s a huge game, another huge opportunity for us to try and end the season on a great note.”