Spring Break
Rams gear up to battle UNC Bears
Matthew Pucak
Issue date: 11/18/08 Section: Sports
|
After throttling the Grizzlies of Montana last Friday, the CSU men's basketball team hopes to exact revenge on some Bears when their nearest rival, the University of Northern Colorado comes knocking on Moby Arena's doors on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.
UNC dropped the Rams last season 72-59, UNC's first victory against CSU since 1986. The memory of the final buzzer sounding as UNC fans stormed the court is sure to fire the Rams up, in addition to the game rivalry.
"We treat UNC with as much respect as Colorado or any of the other big teams in the state, as far as scheduling home-and-homes. It is just as well attended as the other big rivalries that we have," CSU head coach Tim Miles said.
"It was a great atmosphere last season at the Butler-Hancock Pavilion, and we will need our fans and students to get out and support us as well."
The Rams were not happy about the loss last season and feel they must step up and perform better in front of their home crowd.
"We realize that (last season) was the first time we have lost to them since (1986), and we've just got to have pride; it's not even revenge. It's pride in program in our program here and our university, and we need to go out and work hard," said sophomore center Dan Vandervieren. "I think just as far as having school spirit and wanting to be crowned the best team in the state, it is important for us to beat the other Colorado teams," said senior guard Marcus Walker.
Walker added he is out to settle the score with two of his former teammates from Indian Hills Community College, Robert Palacios and Jabril Banks, after they got the best of him last year. Rebounding is crucial for the Rams this year. In last season's match-up, UNC had 19 offensive rebounds and 43 total rebounds, while the Rams trailed at 25 total rebounds.
Be the first to comment on this story