The Fresno State men’s basketball team was eliminated in the first round of the Mountain West Tournament after losing to the Colorado State Rams, falling 67-63.

The Bulldogs failed their late-game comeback, falling short by four points after leading for over 25 minutes of the game.

The Rams managed to score 40 points in the second half after only putting up 27 in the first. 

“I don’t know what changed defensively,” said Head Coach Vance Walberg. “It’s happened a lot of times. In the first half, the players are right in front of us, and we can help with what’s going on. Second half, when they’re down by themselves, our guys gotta do a lot more talking.” 

Senior guard Jake Heidbreder scored 26 points in his last game in front of the Red Wave, leading the ‘Dogs in scoring on the night.

Center Gasper Kocevar dropped 14 points in 23 minutes. All of his points came in the first half, where he shot a perfect 7-for-7. However, he was unable to keep the momentum going in the second half, going 0-for-2 from the field.

Forward DeShawn Gory went scoreless in the first half, going 0-for-3 on field goal attempts. Gory managed to flip the script to start the second half, scoring back-to-back 3-pointers.

Gory finished with a double-double on the night, with 12 points and 10 rebounds. He ended his freshman year with seven double-doubles.

Walberg has now been eliminated in the first round of the Mountain West Tournament in back-to-back years.

The Rams shot 30 times from the 3-point line, making 10 of their attempts.

Rams’ starting guard Jace Butler scored a career-high six 3-pointers against the ‘Dogs.

This game also marks the end of the road for seniors Cameron Faas and Heidbreder, as they played their final game with Fresno State.