FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball team fell 64-98 on the road to the Colorado State Rams in the first game of the season.
 
Tahj Staveskie and Davion Bailey both played 36 minutes and the only two players to score more than 20 points on the night. Staveskie had 27 and was a perfect six-for-six from the free throw line. Bailey added 20 to go along with six rounds
 
Davion Bailey picked up right where he left off last season hitting a pair of tightly contested 3-pointers early in the contest and grabbed four rebounds. However, the first time Cardinal, Tahj Staveskie, led UIW through the first half with 10 quick points. Bailey's four rebounds were half of the total for the Cards in the first 20 minutes as they were out rebounded by the Rams 21-8. Jayden Williams saw some time off the bench and was the only Cardinals to have a positive plus minus as UIW trailed 27-41 heading into the locker room.
 
In the second half Tahj wouldn't make his first field goal until just until 14 minutes left in the game. He quickly picked up the pace and finished the half with 17. This time Bailey would work inside the line scoring 14 with no 3-pointers made down the stretch. While the dynamic duo continued to put the ball in the basket, UIW couldn't keep pace with Colorado State. The Cardinals attempted more free throws (18) than 3-pointers (13) in the second half and fell by a final score of 64-98
 
The Cardinals will be back in action in the home opener this Friday taking on Jarvis Christian at 5 p.m. CT.
 
FOLLOW ALONG 
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook. 
Follow the team Twitter @UIWMBB and on Instagram @UIWMensBasketball