Defensive Struggle Defines Tight Contest (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas – Colorado State seized control in the fourth quarter to defeat Air Force 56-42 and capture the Mountain West Conference women’s basketball tournament championship Tuesday night at the Thomas & Mack Center.[1][2]
Defensive Struggle Defines Tight Contest
The championship game showcased gritty defense from both sides early on. Colorado State, the No. 3 seed with a 27-7 record, jumped to a 17-14 lead after the first quarter. Air Force responded strongly in the second, outscoring the Rams 12-9 to tie the game at 26-26 heading into halftime.[3]
The third quarter remained close, with Colorado State edging ahead 8-6 for a slim 34-32 advantage. Both teams struggled offensively, combining for just 14 points in that period. Air Force shot only 27 percent from the field overall, while Colorado State managed 44 percent but relied heavily on free throws.[1]
| Quarter | Air Force | Colorado State |
|---|---|---|
| First | 14 | 17 |
| Second | 12 | 9 |
| Third | 6 | 8 |
| Fourth | 10 | 22 |
The Rams’ players logged heavy minutes, with seven exceeding 36, highlighting their depth in a low-scoring affair.[4]
Stars Shine Amid Foul Trouble
Brooke Carlson led Colorado State with 17 points, converting 9 of 12 free throws despite a 4-for-15 field goal effort. Madelyn Bragg added 15 points on efficient 7-of-8 shooting from the floor. Kloe Froebe contributed 9 points and a game-high 10 rebounds, while Marta Leimane dished out 4 assists.[1][2]
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Air Force’s Milahnie Perry topped the Falcons with 14 points, followed by Emily Adams (12) and Alexis Cortez (11). The No. 9 seed grabbed 37 rebounds but managed only 6 assists as a team. Colorado State sank 19 of 26 free throws overall, key to pulling away late.[1]
- Colorado State FG: 18-41 (44%), FT: 19-26 (73%)
- Air Force FG: 17-62 (27%), 3PT: 3-19 (16%)
- Rebounds: Air Force 37, Colorado State 33
- Turnovers: Air Force 10, Colorado State 12
Falcons’ Cinderella Run Falls Short
Air Force entered the final as the ultimate underdog, marking the program’s first championship appearance. The ninth-seeded Falcons (16-18, 7-13 MW) defied odds to reach the title game, but Colorado State’s pressure defense limited their shooting.[5]
Despite generating 11 second-chance points and 24 in the paint, Air Force could not sustain momentum after halftime. Their fast-break scoring totaled just 1 point, underscoring Colorado State’s control.[2]
Rams Punch NCAA Ticket
The victory marked Colorado State’s first Mountain West tournament title since 2016 and secured an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Rams improved to 27-7 overall and 15-5 in conference play.[4]
Selection Sunday arrives March 15, where Colorado State will learn its postseason fate. Air Force exits with heads high after a historic tournament run.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado State’s 22-10 fourth quarter proved decisive, fueled by 14 free throws.
- Defensive intensity held both teams under 60 points.
- Rams return to NCAA Tournament for first time in a decade.
Colorado State’s blend of resilience and free-throw precision delivered the crown in a battle of wills. What do you think of the Rams’ chances in March Madness? Tell us in the comments.
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