FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- J.J. Avila shot 9-of-13 from the field and scored 28 points as Colorado State came back to beat Northern Colorado 72-65 on Friday night.

Northern Colorado led 55-48 with nine minutes to play but Colorado State (3-2) finished the game's final 4:41 on an 11-3 run, during which the Rams made 9 of 12 free throws. Avila was a perfect 10 of 10 from the free throw line on the night. He also made an impact defensively with three steals and two blocks.

Northern Colorado (2-2) made 8-of-19 from beyond the 3-point arc while the Rams shot just 1-of-12 on 3-pointers. But Colorado State out-rebounded the Bears 41-26. Daniel Bejarano led the Rams with 10 rebounds while scoring 13 points.

Tevin Svihovec led Northern Colorado with 20 points but also committed five turnovers.