FORT COLLINS, Colo.—Wes Eikmeier scored 18 points and Colorado State used a decided free throw advantage to defeat UTSA 85-75 in a consolation game of the NIT Season Tip-Off on Monday night.
Dwight Smith scored 10 of his 16 points in the second half for the Rams (3-2). Reserve Kaipo Sabas added a career-high 15 points on 5-for-6 shooting from 3-point range.
The Rams went 24-for-34 from the free throw line, while the Roadrunners (2-2) were 15-for-19.
Kannon Burrage led UTSA with 19 points. Michael Hale had 14 before fouling out late in the game.
UTSA shot just 36 percent in the second half but had the early lead. Center Alex Vouyoukas put the Roadrunners up 44-43 with a hook shot 27 seconds into the second half. It was one of nine lead changes in the half.
Sabas made three straight 3-pointers at one point, putting the Rams ahead 52-47. But they were unable to sustain it. Jeromie Hill gave UTSA its last lead at 66-64 with an uncontested 3-pointer.
Smith returned the lead to Colorado State 67-66 with a 3-pointer of his own. His two free throws with 4:59 to go ended an 11-2 run by the Rams.
The Roadrunners came as close as 79-73 with 1:55 remaining but managed only a two-fisted dunk by Burrage the rest of the way.
Host Colorado State plays Manhattan and Fresno State gets UTSA in Tuesday night’s matchups.
