Colorado State guard Nique Clifford, facing, celebrates a 78-70 win with guard Kyan Evans (0) against Memphis in Friday’s first round of the NCAA Tournament in Seattle. Butler High grad Ethan Morton, right, looks on. Associated Press

SEATTLE — Kyan Evans made a career-high six 3-pointers and scored 23 points to lead No. 12-seed Colorado State past fifth-seeded Memphis 78-70 in Friday’s first round of the NCAA Tournament.

“Whatever Kyan was feeling tonight, I just want to feel that one time," Colorado State coach Niko Medved said.

Butler High grad Ethan Morton came off the bench for 15 minutes and finished with three rebounds, an assist and a steal. He was 0-of-3 shooting with no points. The transfer from Purdue is in his fifth NCAA Tournament.

Nique Clifford, the Mountain West Tournament MVP, had his quietest scoring night in a month, finishing with 14 points, eight on free throws. But he added eight rebounds and six assists for the Rams (26-9), who extended their winning streak to 11 games and advanced to the second round of the tournament for the first time since 2013. Colorado State will face Maryland, which routed Grand Canyon 81-49, Sunday.

This 12-over-5 result was no shocker, with Colorado State a 2 1/2-point favorite, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Coach Penny Hardaway's Tigers (29-7) were not at full strength, with veteran guard and third-leading scorer Tyrese Hunter sidelined by a left foot injury.

Dain Dainja had 22 points and 12 rebounds for Memphis, ending the season with his third straight double-double. PJ Haggerty, the American Athletic Conference Player of the Year, finished with 18 points, as did Colby Rogers.

“It’s not how we wanted it to end," Hardaway said. “We had an opportunity to do some special things, and just couldn’t get it done.”

Jalen Lake pitched in with 14 points for Colorado State, and Jaylen Crocker-Johnson scored 12.

The Rams took control to start the second half. Seven players scored in the first eight minutes as Colorado State turned a five-point deficit into a six-point lead.

“Just when I don’t think this group can give us more, they find another gear, and guys step up,” Medved said.

Clifford, who made just two field goals in the first 27 minutes, hit a turnaround jumper with 13:38 left to give the Rams a 52-50 advantage. The next time down the court, he found Bowen Born for an open layup to make it 54-50. The Tigers did not get within one possession the rest of the day.

“Maybe not my best shooting night, but I was just trying to find ways to do other things to impact the game when I’m not shooting well,” Clifford said.