6 straight 3's propel Colorado State to best start in 14 years

Denver, CO -- An explosive third quarter led Colorado State to its 74-46 win over Denver University Friday. CSU's six consecutive 3-point shots defeated the Pioneers, as the Rams improved its win streak to seven.

A physical first quarter set the tone at Magness Arena Friday tonight between the Denver Pioneers and Colorado State Rams. Seven fouls by CSU gave Denver the advantage it needed to end the first quarter tied, 16-16.

The Rams came out less physical in the second, but just as effective. With only one foul, CSU managed to put 14 more points on the board to put them ahead of the Pioneers. Denver was held to a mere eight points in the second quarter as CSU extended its lead over the Pioneers in the first-half, 30-24.

Ellen Nystrom, Jamie Patrick, and Alana Arias, who each contributed six points, led the Rams in the first half. Denver's Jacqlyn Poss, led the team with eight points as her team trailed by six.

A phenomenal third quarter by CSU's offense took nearly all hope away from the Pioneers as the Rams went on a 24-6 run. But, even more impressive was the team's six consecutive 3-point shots by Stine Austgulen and Jamie Patrick, which increased the lead to 19 points. CSU scored 26 points in the third quarter, 18 of those from 3-point shots. Denver was held to 13 points, trailing the Rams 37-56 heading into the fourth.

CSU showed no mercy in the fourth as they scored 18 more points to put away the Pioneers, 74-46. The Pioneers were led by Poss, who scored 14 points against the Rams as Denver fell to 2-10 on its preseason. Patrick and Austgulen, led the Rams with 20 and 13 points, respectively, in their win against the Pioneers. This seventh straight win for CSU improved its overall record to 10-1 heading into conference play.

Patrick talked about her three consecutive 3-point shots for the Pioneers and how Austgulen got her rolling.

"We didn't have any three-pointers in the first-half," Patrick said. "Austgulen had two in-a-row and then I had three in-a-row and then she had one. Three-pointers really get your team pumped so we just got going."

CSU's head coach Ryun Williams shared his thoughts on his team's win to end the preseason.

"Mentally we were off a little bit that first and second quarter," Colorado State coach Ryun Williams said. "But they just cleaned it up at halftime and did a nice job at making their own adjustments. I think the nonconference prepared us well, and I like where this team is going."

The Rams are having their best start since the 2001-02 season and are now sixth in school history after winning, at least, nine of its first 10 games. CSU will take 12 days off before opening up Conference play against Boise State, Jan. 2.