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Colorado State Hosts Saint Joseph's in NIT Opener

3 months agoUS
Colorado State Hosts Saint Joseph's in NIT OpenerSource: coloradoan.com
The Colorado State Rams men's basketball team will host Saint Joseph's Hawks in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). After missing the NCAA Tournament, the Rams have a second chance to extend their season. The game is scheduled for March 18 at Moby Arena.

Key Insights

CSU earned a No. 3 seed in the NIT and will face Saint Joseph's, who finished third in the A-10.

Saint Joseph's boasts a strong defense, ranking 34th in opponent eFG%, but struggles against Quad-1 opponents due to limited offense.

CSU's Jase Butler has emerged as a key player, demonstrating significant growth and scoring ability throughout the season. Why this matters: Butler's performance could be pivotal for CSU's success in the tournament.

CSU's Carey Booth needs to leverage his low-post strength early in the game, especially against Saint Joseph's taller lineup.

Saint Joseph's excels at protecting the paint but allows numerous long-range attempts, which aligns with CSU's strength in 3-point shooting.

Saint Joseph's guard Deuce Jones has entered the transfer portal, leaving Jaiden Glover-Toscano as the team's primary offensive threat.

In-Depth Analysis

Colorado State's path to the NIT championship involves potential matchups against California/UIC and possible top-seeded teams like New Mexico. Saint Joseph's defensive capabilities will be tested against CSU's balanced offense, where multiple players contribute consistently. The altitude difference between Philadelphia and Fort Collins could pose a challenge for Saint Joseph's. CSU's ability to capitalize on 3-point opportunities and Booth's performance in the low post will be crucial factors in determining the game's outcome.

FAQs

Q: When and where is the game?

The game is on March 18 at 9 p.m. MT at Moby Arena in Fort Collins, CO.

Q: How can I watch the game?

The game will be broadcast on ESPNU and K99.1 FM.

Q: Who are the key players to watch for CSU?

Jase Butler and Carey Booth.

Q: What are Saint Joseph's strengths?

Strong defense and rebounding.

Key Takeaways

For CSU fans: Keep an eye on Jase Butler's performance and Carey Booth's ability to dominate the low post. The team's 3-point shooting accuracy will be critical. For Saint Joseph's fans: The team's defense needs to contain CSU's shooters, and Jaiden Glover-Toscano needs to lead the offense effectively.

Discussion

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