Fort Collins – Jason Smith scored 14 points and Alton Robinson added 10 at Moby Arena, leading Colorado State to a 74-56 victory over NAIA opponent Montana State-Northern on Saturday.
The Rams (2-2) got off to a quick start in the first half and led by 29 points with 13:27 to go in the second half. The lead was too much for the Lights to overcome.
“I was happy with our energy,” CSU coach Dale Layer said. “This is a tough stretch, there is no question about it. I think we are continuing to get better. I can see us growing up, maturing and getting a little more comfortable with each other.”
Colorado State led 33-11 with 5:56 to play in the first half before the Lights (4-3) went on a 14-6 run to get to within 14 before halftime.
MSU-Northern held CSU to 46 percent shooting from the field after the break, but couldn’t overcome the Rams’ 43-25 halftime lead.
Colorado State shot 63 percent in the first half and 55 percent for the game. CSU held MSU-Northern to 39 percent shooting. The Rams also held a 34-29 advantage in rebounding.
Cory Brothers led the Lights with 16 points. Ronnie Simpson added 10 points for Montana State-Northern.
MONTANA STATE-NORTHERN (4-3)
Simms 2-3 0-0 4, Pettersen 3-7 0-0 7, Tinned 2-8 0-0 5, Brothers 6-13 2-2 16, Erickson 3-3 0-0 6, Feasel 2-2 1-2 7, Bullchild 0-3 0-0 0, Williams 0-3 1-2 1, Gillespie 0-3 0-0 0, Simpson 3-7 2-4 10, Stone 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 21-54 6-10 56.
COLORADO STATE (2-2)
Jason Smith 7-10 0-0 14, Creason 3-5 2-3 8, Lewis 2-6 0-0 4, T. Smith 3-8 0-3 7, Denson 3-6 0-0 8, Jarrel Smith 3-5 0-0 6, Kilby 2-3 0-0 4, A. Robinson 4-5 2-2 10, Surratt 0-0 0-0 0, F. Robinson 2-2 0-1 4, Gilling 3-7 1-1 9, Collins 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 32-58 5-10 74.
Halftime – Colorado State 43-25. 3-point goals – Montana State-Northern 8-22 (Feasel 2-2, Brothers 2-3, Simpson 2-5, Pettersen 1-1, Tinned 1-5, Williams 0-1, Bullchild 0-2, Gillespie 0-3). Colorado State 5-10 (Denson 2-3, Gilling 2-4, T. Smith 1-2, Lewis 0-1). Fouled out – None. Rebounds – Montana State-Northern 29 (Williams 6), Colorado State 34 (Jason Smith 7). Assists – Montana State-Northern 9 (Erickson 4), Colorado State 22 (Lewis 7). Total fouls – Montana State-Northern 17, Colorado State 12. A – 2,801.
