Nique Clifford powers Colorado State to thrilling overtime win against TCU
- Nique Clifford played a key role by scoring 25 points and grabbing 12 rebounds to lead the Rams.
- The game was tied at 66-66 late in regulation thanks to a three-pointer from Bowen Born.
- Colorado State's victory marked a significant moment in their season as they rallied for a hard-fought win.
On November 29, 2024, Colorado State University faced off against Texas Christian University in the consolation final of the Acrisure Invitational held in Palm Springs, California. The game concluded with an exciting 76-72 overtime victory for Colorado State. Nique Clifford was instrumental in the team's success, recording an impressive 25 points and 12 rebounds, contributing significantly to the Rams' performance. His efforts marked his third double-double of the season, showcasing his skill in both scoring and rebounding. The game developed with a tense atmosphere as Bowen Born, one of the Rams’ key players, hit a crucial three-pointer with only 56 seconds left in regulation, tying the game at 66. This moment forced the match into overtime after Frankie Collins from TCU missed a three-point attempt at the buzzer. The first half of the game was closely contested, with Colorado State leading by just one point at halftime, 32-31. TCU initiated the second half with a quick scoring spurt, but the Rams responded with a 10-0 run led by Born, reclaiming the lead. As the game progressed into overtime, Jalen Lake provided a crucial go-ahead jumper that laid the groundwork for Colorado State's late-game success. Clifford continued his stellar performance by scoring two pivotal baskets in the final minute, securing a 74-68 lead. The victory for Colorado State improved their season record to 4-3, while TCU also fell to a record of 4-3. Additionally, Lake and Born contributed significantly with 15 and 13 points, respectively, indicating a strong collective team effort. TCU was led by Frankie Collins, who tallied 18 points despite a challenging shooting night, going 5-for-17 from the field. His all-around game included eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals, demonstrating his impact on both ends of the court. Other notable contributions for TCU came from Noah Reynolds and Trazarien White, who added 12 and 10 points, respectively. The match underscored the competitive nature of college basketball, particularly the significance of clutch performances in high-stakes situations like tournament games.