Fresno State (2-0) at Colorado State (3-1)
Series
Colorado State has a 20-18 lead in the series which has seen the Rams win 15 of 18 in Moby Arena. Colorado State swept the season series last year as the Rams won by 18 at home and by 10 in Fresno.
Showers or empathy on both the Bulldogs and the Rams as both have had five games postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19. Colorado State had a 20-day pause while the Fresno State has had three 14-day pauses.
Vs. The Spread
The Bulldogs are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games against Colorado State and they are also 0-6 ATS in their last six games at Fort Collins. The total has gone OVER in eight of the last 12 Fresno State games against Mountain West competition. The Rams are 10-1 SU in their last 11 home games as the total has gone OVER in four of the last six Rams-Bulldogs battles.
| Teams | Spread | Money Line | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno State | +8 (-110) | — | O 139.5 (-115) |
| Colorado State | -8 (-110) | — | U 139.5 (-105) |
Last Time Out
The jury is out on Fresno State as the Bulldogs’ two wins are against teams that do not compete at the D-1 level. Fresno State played on Nov. 25 and then did not return to the hardwood until Dec. 19 when the Bulldogs beat Fresno Pacific, 87-74. Orlando Robinson recorded double-doubles in the two wins.
After the Rams lost a tough 53-33 decision at Saint Mary’s, Colorado State came home and rolled to a 70-57 win over previously unbeaten Santa Clara in Santa Cruz at the Warriors G-League arena. Sophomore David Roddy led the Rams with 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Isaiah Stevens had 14 as CSU used a stealthy defense to hold the Broncos to 36.4 percent from the field.
From the ‘Dog House
Fresno State was picked to finish eighth in the Mountain West as coach Justin Hutson enters his third season at the helm. Orlando Robinson, Jr., is a 7-foot forward who averaged 12.2 points per game and shot 49.2 percent from the floor a year ago. The Bulldogs have ten new players on the squad as five are D-1 transfers. Fresno State is one of two teams in the Mountain West with three players listed at 7-feet or over.
Ram-Rod
The Rams use a small, athletic lineup behind the playmaking of Isaiah Stevens and the athletic ability of 6-5 stretch-4 David Roddy. Both players average 15.3 points per game as Roddy is the leading rebounder at 8.3. Fresno State is likely to use it’s size to try to pound Colorado State and play a more physical game. The Rams defend the three at a 25 percent clip while they shoot at a 34.3 percentage as Kendle Moore has made 6-of-13, but Adam Thistlewood has made eight to lead the team. They’re more athletic and that will wear down the Bulldogs in what is unfortunately their first look at a D-1 team this season.
Winner: Colorado State (-8) 72, Fresno State 63
Over-Under: Take UNDER 139.5
