Josh Pascarelli and Carey Booth each scored 16 points as the host Colorado State Rams opened their season with an 84-74 win against Montana State on Monday in Fort Collins, Colorado.
The matchup remained tight through the first half, with Colorado State holding a narrow 44-38 lead at the break. Pascarelli established the early scoring pace for the Rams by putting up nine points before halftime. Montana State kept the pressure on behind Jeremiah Davis, who finished the contest with a game-high 17 points alongside four steals for the Bobcats.
The turning point arrived midway through the second half. Colorado State seized the lead for good with 13:30 remaining on the clock when Rashaan Mbemba connected from beyond the arc to push the score to 55-52.
Pascarelli shot 6 of 10 from the field, including 1 for 5 from 3-point range, while converting all three of his free throw attempts. Carey Booth matched his 16-point output by shooting 6 of 10 from the floor and sinking all four of his attempts from the line. Jase Butler contributed 12 points, shooting 3 of 7 from the field and going a perfect 5 for 5 on free throws.
On the Montana State side, Howie Keene added 15 points and two steals, while Christian King recorded 13 points and pulled down a team-high seven rebounds for the Bobcats in their season opener.
Looking ahead to their next contests, Colorado State returns home to host Idaho on Friday. Meanwhile, Montana State travels to host Long Beach State on Saturday.
