North Florida vs. Colorado State: Rams open Las Vegas Classic against Ospreys

The Colorado State Rams (6-2) will attempt to end a two-game losing skid Monday night when they host the North Florida Ospreys (3-6) as part of the Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MT.

The Rams started their season with six victories, including a blowout victory over Washington. However, Colorado State suffered road losses to in-state rival Colorado and Illinois-Chicago in recent weeks, and has not recorded a victory since December 1. CSU is one of the country's best rebounding teams, ranking ninth in total rebounds per game and second in both offensive and defensive rebounding percentage; the Rams rebound 46.6% of their own misses, while allowing opponents to get just 21.8% of theirs. The Rams' front line of Colton Iverson (15.8 ppg, 11.1 rpg) and Pierce Hornung (6.7 ppg, 10.8 rpg) has been key to that success on the boards. Guard Dorian Green (13.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg) leads the Rams in assists and is second on the team in scoring.

North Florida has played one of the nation's toughest schedules, facing the likes of Memphis, Kansas State, Florida State, Minnesota, and Pittsburgh in the early season. The Ospreys' statistics have suffered as a result. North Florida is near the bottom of the national rankings in points per game (62.6), rebounds per game (31.3, good for 311th nationally), and field goal percentage (.411). They are led by 6'3 senior guard Parker Smith (16.3 ppg), who is shooting 45.5% from behind the three-point arc. Junior forward Travis Wallace (11.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.1 bpg) is the Osprey's primary inside presence, and is shooting 57.7% from the field.