Colorado State basketball stuns Memphis in March Madness, advances to NCAA second round
SEATTLE — The Kyan Evans game.
The sophomore point guard now adds his name to the list of legends of March Madness as he led Colorado State to a famous 12-5 seed upset over Memphis with a 78-70 victory.
Evans scored a career-high 23 points and set a program NCAA Tournament record with six 3-pointers made as CSU beat the No. 5 seed Memphis.
Here are takeaways from the game
Kyan Evans has March Madness legendary moment
Evans hit a 3-pointer and stood staring into a raucous CSU section.
It was a statement moment, a 3-ball to put the Rams up 10 (64-54 at the time) and seemingly in control of the game.
Evans took over the point this season taking over for CSU legend Isaiah Stevens. They were huge shoes to fill, but this game is his resounding answer to the pressure.
Famous win for Colorado State basketball
This is one of the biggest wins in program history.
The Rams followed a magical run to win the Mountain West tournament with a first-round NCAA Tournament win.
It’s the first time CSU has won in the Round of 64 since 2013 (CSU won a First Four game last season).
The program is just 6-13 all-time in NCAA Tournament games, making this a top-tier moment for CSU.
It’s now 11 wins in a row for CSU, one of the hottest teams in the nation.
Colorado State overcomes Dain Dainja, Memphis
Memphis had the size advantage in this one and it showed, especially early.
Memphis big man Dain Dainja was absolutely dominant. The Rams were down five at halftime as Memphis was up 20-8 in the paint and out-rebounding the Rams 22-12.
Dainja had 15 first-half points.
The Rams began to double Dainja in the second half. He still had plenty of success, but CSU was able to rattle the rest of the Tigers.
CSU moves to the second round to face the winner of No. 4 Maryland and No. 13 Grand Canyon. That game will be Sunday, March 23. Time has not been set.
Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on X and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado State vs Memphis in 2025 March Madness: Kyan Evans sends Rams on
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