Utah State and Colorado State clash in a pivotal Mountain West Tournament semifinal matchup this Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Tip-off is set for 10:00 MST on CBS Sports Network.

The third-seeded Aggies (26-6, 15-5 MWC) enter as slight 1-point favorites over the second-seeded Rams (23-9, 16-4 MWC). The over/under sits at 146.5 points.

Both teams come in with momentum after impressive quarterfinal wins - Utah State defeated UNLV 70-58, while Colorado State topped Nevada 67-59.

Utah State's Elite Offense:

• 81.2 points per game (28th nationally)
• 49.4% field goal percentage (9th nationally)
• Led by Ian Martinez (16.9 PPG) and Mason Falsley (14.7 PPG)
• +11.6 average scoring margin
• 31.3 rebounds per game

Colorado State's Defensive Identity:

• 67.3 points allowed per game (top 50 nationally)
• 75.2 points scored per game
• Led by Nique Clifford (18.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 4.3 APG)
• Jalen Lake adds 11.3 PPG
• 32.0 rebounds per game

Key Contributors - Colorado State:

• Nique Clifford: 18.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 4.3 APG, 51% FG
• Jalen Lake: 11.3 PPG, 2.0 APG
• Kyan Evans: 10.3 PPG, 3.1 APG
• Jaylen Crocker-Johnson: 9.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG
• Ethan Morton: 3.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.4 APG

Key Contributors - Utah State:

• Ian Martinez: 16.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.3 threes per game
• Mason Falslev: 14.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.8 APG
• Dexter Akanno: 8.6 PPG, 44.2% from three
• Drake Allen: 7.4 PPG, 3.9 APG
• Karson Templin: 7.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 52.7% FG

The teams are evenly matched, with Utah State holding a slight offensive edge while Colorado State brings superior defensive prowess. With tournament hopes on the line, expect a tightly contested battle decided by crucial late-game possessions.

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