Depth powers Colorado State men's basketball to blowout | Takeaways

Colorado State men's basketball secured a blowout victory over Portland State with a final score of 87-71 at Moby Arena. The game marked the team's first true blowout of the season, extending their record to 3-0. The Rams displayed dominant performances from their bench and several key players throughout the contest.

Rashaan Mbemba led the way on the bench with 17 points and five rebounds, showcasing his quickness and strength by delivering a two-handed dunk late in the game. Freshman big Jaden Ghoreishi contributed 11 points, four rebounds, and a block, posting a plus-15 rating in the first half. The Ram bench contributed a combined 19 points in the first half, leading to a 16-point cushion (42-26) into the break.

Portland State struggled to keep up with CSU's 3-point shooting, hitting just 33% from deep. Josh Pascarelli, a key sharpshooter, hit three three-pointers in the game, improving his shooting percentage from earlier in the season. CSU's 3-pointers started falling as well, with seven players from the team making successful long-range shots.

To limit Portland State's steals, CSU focused on protecting possession. They managed just four first-half turnovers, a significant improvement from their inconsistent play in the preseason and early regular season. Portland State's inability to turn CSU over limited their chances to capitalize on fast-break opportunities. The Rams' solid ball control led to an easy victory, as they had their way with a well-prepared team.