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Colorado State’s men’s basketball team ran its home winning streak to five with a solid 67-59 victory over visiting Southeastern Louisiana, Nov. 25. With the victory, the Rams improved to 4-1 on the season, while the Lions dropped to 4-2 on the year.

After early exchanges of baskets, Colorado State took lead for good with a 7-0 run that put the hosts up for good. CSU used strong defense in the opening stanza to build a 10-point halftime advantage at 29-19. From there, the Rams built as much as a 17-point lead and led by no fewer than eight the rest of the way.

Colorado State shot 37.3 percent (19-of-51) from the field, including 52.4 percent (11-of-21) in the second half. Southeastern Louisiana was held to just 33.9 percent (20-of-59) on field goals. The Rams won the battle of the boards, 42-33, and used that for a 16-7 advantage in second-chance points. CSU also took advantage of its opportunities at the free throw line, going 24-of-33 (72.7 percent), while SLU was just 10-of-12 (83.3 percent).

Senior Emmanuel Omogbo led the Rams with his third double-double of the year and 11th of his career, tallying 18 points and a season-best 16 rebounds.

The day held special meaning for Omogbo:

“Today, I just tried to approach the game different. Coach has been telling me that I have not been playing good, and I have not been showing my potential. It was kind of an emotional game for me, as it was my (late) dad’s birthday yesterday. I wanted to do something nice for him as a birthday gift.”

Junior Devocio Butler added 12 points, three rebounds and two steals, as six Rams chipped in at least seven points on the day. Butler’s 12 points were a career high.

“After the first two games, I have been in a slump, trying to go from junior college to Division I,” Butler said postgame. “The game is different, it’s faster, the players are bigger, competition is better. I am just trying to find my groove, get my confidence back and be more aggressive.”

Colorado State will wrap up its three home games in five days against Alcorn State, Sunday, Nov. 27 at 12 p.m.