Nique Clifford Leads Colorado State to Thrilling 76-72 Win Over TCU at Acrisure Arena

In an exhilarating college basketball clash at Acrisure Arena, Colorado State held off a late rally by TCU to secure a 76-72 victory. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams trading momentum in the final minutes. However, it was Nique Clifford who delivered the knockout punch, leading the Rams to a thrilling win with a standout performance that had fans roaring from start to finish. TCU Fights Back, But Clifford Shines The game was tightly contested throughout, with Colorado State holding a slight 51-47 lead over TCU at the 9:00 mark of the second half. But from there, it was Nique Clifford who took control. The junior forward was a dominant force, both offensively and defensively, turning up the intensity and sparking his team at a crucial point in the game. By the 8:00 mark, Clifford had already posted 17 points and 9 rebounds, showing why he’s considered one of the most talented players in the conference. His energy was infectious, and his vocal leadership on the court was evident. As the game wore on, Clifford became more aggressive, driving the offense and playing with an unrelenting determination. However, TCU wasn’t ready to give up. The Horned Frogs, led by strong performances from White and Collins, kept pushing and kept the game close. At the 6:40 mark, Colorado State clung to a narrow 55-51 lead, but TCU's resilience made it clear that this game would come down to the wire. A Thrilling Final Stretch As the clock wound down, the drama intensified. With 3:50 left, TCU brought the deficit to just two points at 59-57. But Clifford was there once again to answer the call, draining a crucial shot to extend Colorado State’s lead to 61-57 with 3:25 remaining. It seemed like the Rams were in control, but TCU refused to go down quietly. With 2:30 left, TCU’s White was sent to the free-throw line with a chance to tie the game. He made both free throws, leveling the score at 61-61, and the arena erupted with excitement. The tension in the building was palpable as both teams knew they were just a few possessions away from a potentially game-changing play. Colorado State Takes Control With the game now tied, the energy in the arena shifted dramatically. The crowd grew louder, the players more animated, and the stakes even higher. Colorado State seized the opportunity, grabbing three crucial offensive rebounds and executing a well-timed three-pointer to take a 64-63 lead with just 1:25 left. But the drama didn’t end there. TCU had one final chance to respond, and after a key steal by Collins, the Horned Frogs had a chance to take the lead, but they came up empty on their next possession. On the other end, Colorado State's Wenzel was fouled and went to the free-throw line with a chance to extend the Rams’ lead. Wenzel calmly drained both free throws to give Colorado State a 66-63 advantage with just over a minute remaining. Born’s Clutch 3 Keeps TCU Alive The game was far from over. With 50 seconds left, TCU’s Born responded with a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 66-66. The crowd was on its feet as both teams jockeyed for position in the closing seconds. It seemed like the game was headed for a dramatic finish. However, in the final moments, Colorado State once again showed composure under pressure. With the score tied, Wenzel was fouled once again and sent to the line with the chance to seal the game. This time, Wenzel sank both free throws, putting Colorado State ahead 76-72 with 17 seconds left. TCU had one final possession, but the Rams' defense stood tall, forcing a missed shot in the closing seconds and securing the 76-72 victory. Nique Clifford's Heroic Performance Nique Clifford was the undeniable star of the game, finishing with a game-high 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. His ability to score from all areas of the floor, along with his tenacity on the glass and playmaking ability, made him a constant threat for TCU. Clifford’s clutch shooting, especially in the final minutes, kept Colorado State ahead when TCU was threatening to take control. His leadership on both ends of the floor was invaluable, and he played a key role in securing the win for Colorado State. Clifford’s 25-point performance was a testament to his growth and his ability to perform under pressure. TCU’s Tough Loss For TCU, the loss was a heartbreaker, but the Horned Frogs showed great resilience throughout the game. Despite trailing for much of the second half, TCU fought back in the final minutes, with White and Collins contributing key plays down the stretch. But in the end, Colorado State’s defensive stops and Clifford’s clutch play were too much for the Horned Frogs to overcome. While TCU came up short, their effort, particularly their late-game execution, showed that they are a team to watch moving forward. They will need to sharpen their late-game strategies and execution, but there were plenty of positives to take away from this thrilling contest. What’s Next for Both Teams? Colorado State’s victory gives them a much-needed boost of confidence as they look to build momentum for the rest of the season. With Nique Clifford leading the way, the Rams will be a tough matchup for anyone moving forward. For TCU, the loss is a tough one to swallow, but they will have to quickly regroup and learn from the experience. They showed they can compete at a high level, but closing out tight games will be a key focus as they prepare for the rest of their schedule. Conclusion In a game that featured everything college basketball fans love—intense competition, clutch moments, and drama until the final buzzer—Colorado State held off TCU to win 76-72. Nique Clifford's 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists were the difference in this thriller, as the Rams showed resilience and poise under pressure. While TCU fought valiantly in the final minutes, it was Clifford and Colorado State who stood tall in the end, securing a hard-fought victory that will be remembered for its intensity and dramatic finish.