Evansville vs. Colorado State final score: Rams survive late run by Purple Aces, take 79-72 victory

The Colorado State Rams kept their undefeated record intact with a 79-72 win over the Evansville Purple Aces Saturday. The Rams jumped out to a 12-point halftime lead and held a 67-50 lead with 7:30 left to play, when the Aces staged a furious comeback. Evansville drew within four points in the game's last seconds, but a Greg Smith basket and free throw cemented the win.

Smith led a balanced Rams attack with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Colton Iverson, Wes Eikmeier, and Dorian Green each scored 16 points, with Iverson adding 12 rebounds and dishing out four assists. Evansville freshman guard D.J. Balentine caught fire, scoring 26 points off the bench and spurring the Purple Aces' second half resurgence with three crucial three-point baskets.

Colorado State improved to 6-0 on the season with the win. The Rams face their most difficult test of the non-conference schedule Wednesday, when they travel to Boulder to face Colorado. Evansville dropped to 4-3.