Rams’ explosive backcourt duo will try to cool streaking Rebels

Steve Carp

Friday, Jan. 29, 1999 | 11:29 a.m.

Who has the best backcourt in the WAC?

You can make a strong case for Southern Methodist's Stephen Woods and Jeryl Sasser. Texas Christian fans say Prince Fowler and Ryan Carroll are pretty tough. And Fresno State fans will tout Courtney Alexander and Chris Herren as the top tandem in the league.

But if you're looking for two guards who play great together and carry their team, look no further than Colorado State, where "The Wrecking Two" of Milt Palacio and Andre McKanstry have dominated from the start of the season.

Palacio rates in the WAC's top 10 in four statistical categories while McKanstry leads the WAC in steals, averaging 2.7 a game.

First-year coach Ritchie McKay knows his team would not be 13-5 overall without Palacio and McKanstry. And he knows the Rams have a fighting chance Saturday, when they face UNLV at the Thomas & Mack Center to conclude the first half of conference play in the Mountain Division.

"I knew Milt was a player," McKay said of Palacio, who is the school's career leader in steals and is third all-time in assists. "But Andre has been a pleasant surprise. When I saw tapes of last year, he wasn't there.

"But we've asked 'Dre to score and he and Milt really work well together."

McKanstry is averaging just under 13 points. Last year, he averaged 3.8 per contest. He has scored 20 or more points five times this season.

And while both have natural ability, McKay said CSU's new up-tempo style has helped their collective games.

"I think they've benefited from our system," McKay said. "We're giving them freedom to play (offensively)."

The Rams, who played at Air Force Thursday night, know they have a daunting task trying to beat UNLV in its own building. Compounding that will be the improved guard play the Rebels have received from Mark Dickel at the point and Desmond Herod off the bench at the shooting guard spot.

"They've got a lot of quality depth," McKay said of the UNLV backcourt. "They've got people who can hurt you at every position."

But McKay has a senior backcourt with talent. And that will allow his team to compete Saturday.

"They've given us great leadership and as they go, we go," he said.