SEATTLE – The No.5 University of Memphis men's basketball team faced off against Colorado State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 21, 2025, but suffered a disappointing defeat, falling 78-70 inside Climate Pledge Arena. The matchup was highly anticipated, with Memphis carrying a strong momentum from a remarkable 20-1 run since mid-January, securing both the American Athletic Conference (AAC) regular season and tournament championships.
The game unfolded in a thrilling fashion, characterized by constant back-and-forth action. Senior forward Dain Dainja led Colorado State with an outstanding performance, recording a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds. He was supported by sophomore guard PJ Haggerty, who scored 18 points along with six rebounds, three assists, and two steals, and senior guard Colby Rogers, who also put up 18 points.
From the outset, Colorado State jumped to a 12-7 lead, energized by a 6-0 run. However, Memphis quickly regrouped, igniting an 8-0 run and forcing three consecutive Rams turnovers to reclaim the lead. Despite the early struggles, Memphis managed to reach halftime with a 36-31 advantage.
But it was the second half where things took a turn for Memphis. Colorado State came out with renewed energy, embarking on a 6-0 run right out of the gates, narrowing the deficit to just one point. Memphis struggled to find its rhythm, going nearly six minutes without a field goal, allowing Colorado State to seize control with a 9-0 run.
Ultimately, Colorado State outscored Memphis 47-34 in the second half, resulting in a disappointing early exit for the Tigers from the tournament. This victory for the Rams marks their 11th consecutive win, following a triumphant performance against Boise State just days prior, and propels them into the next round of March Madness.
As Memphis reflects on this challenging matchup, Coach Penny Hardaway expressed the need for his team to learn from this experience. Their journey through the NCAA tournament came to an abrupt end, but not without moments of promising play that demonstrated the potential that had carried them through the season.
The Tigers executed an aggressive style of play led by Hardaway’s coaching philosophy that promotes ball movement and defensive aggression. However, uncharacteristic turnovers proved costly as they struggled to capitalize on key possessions during the game.
Memphis appeared to have the makings of a tournament-worthy team, with notable talents like Haggerty and Dainja showcasing their skills. Haggerty's contributions were pivotal during the entire season, earning him a significant role in the team's success prior to this surprising defeat. With their season now concluded, the team will likely reflect on their experiences and look ahead to future seasons with renewed determination.
On the other hand, Colorado State now anticipates facing either Maryland or Grand Canyon in the next round, with their confidence surging after this hard-fought victory against a highly regarded opponent.
In the broader context of March Madness, this game reflects the unpredictable nature of the tournament, where anything can happen regardless of team rankings. As fans around the country anticipate the upcoming matches, the NCAA tournament continues to deliver thrilling moments of competition and drama.
