The 23rd ranked Colorado State Rams played their final home game last night, honoring the seniors who have put so much hard work and dedication into creating this era CSU has come to know and love. The sea of green and gold showed up to cheer on their Rams, as they have done all season.
The Rams had a lot at stake for this game: Their undefeated record in conference, their 24-game win streak, and a Mountain West Conference title. But CSU continued to play like they had something to prove.
Led by their seniors, the Rams became the first Mountain West Team to win three straight outright regular season titles.
Last night was fun! #3peat #Onwardandupward pic.twitter.com/RUxklFJ0mZ
— Colorado State Women's Basketball (@CSUWBasketball) March 2, 2016
Jamie Patrick played like a senior should last night. The defense designed to shut her down could not stop her from scoring 21 points, 10 of which came on free throws. Patrick was perfect from the line last night. Next to her, Keyora Wharry proved once again that she could take control of any possession. Her 16 points helped lead the Rams to victory, but what was perhaps most impressive about her performance was her composure against the pressure Fresno State sent out to the back court.
Likewise, Emilie Hesseldal and Alana Arias helped get the Rams back on track after they were trailing at half by grabbing important offensive and defensive boards. All season, CSU has been known for forcing teams to shoot contested and low percentage shots, while limiting second chance attempts; however, until last night, the Rams were struggling to get second-chance opportunities on the glass themselves.
Coach Ryun Williams did not take a seat the entire game, and with his leadership from the bench, the Rams found the strength to overcome Fresno State’s pressure and get themselves into a rhythm.
These women really do know how to win.
The crowd was louder than ever last night in the fourth quarter. Ellen Nystrom raised her hands up in the last few minutes of the quarter, asking the crowd to be even louder and help celebrate their success. The crowd responded with a roar was so loud you couldn’t even hear your own heartbeat.
Thank you Ram Fans for willing us to victory tonight! You all rocked the 4th Qrt and brought Moby Magic to life! I'm proud of u! #CSURams
— Ryun Williams (@CSU_Williams) March 2, 2016
Amidst the roar of alumni cheering, the students at the game began to chant “I said I’m proud to be a CSU Ram”.
The four seniors left the game to the applause and appreciation they deserved, with a 24th consecutive victory in their pockets. They were honored after the game in a senior ceremony.
The Rams will now look to improve their streak to 25, the second longest in the nation, Friday when they take on Air Force in Colorado Springs.