3 takeaways: CSU remains perfect with a convincing win over Arkansas Little Rock

DENVER — The Colorado State men’s basketball team continued its hot start with another dominant victory over Arkansas Little Rock on Wednesday night. 

It wasn’t much of a surprise. The Rams entered the matchup as 20.5 point favorites and played like it in this one. 

If there were any worries about it being a trap game for CSU — a night where they might overlook a lesser opponent as they set their sites to Saint Mary’s on Saturday — the Rams erased them right off the bat with quality play on both ends of the floor. 

By halftime it was clear that the visiting Torjans were completely outmatched, even more so when you factor in that they were only dressing nine players and missing their top scorer. And in the end it was a 86-55 victory for CSU to advance to 8-0 on the season. 

Leading the way for CSU was Isaiah Stevens. The junior point guard tied the program record for assists in a game with 12 while recording zero turnovers. So far this year his assist to turnover ratio is about 6:1.

Stevens also matched David Roddy for the team lead in points (12), though it was more of a group effort than anything. 10 different players scored for Niko Medved in the win, which allowed the Rams to completely control the game without anyone really taking over. 

CSU shot 56 percent from the floor and 35 percent from deep. The Rams were a perfect 12-of-12 at the free throw line. Most importantly, they were +9 in the turnover margin and scored nine more points off turnovers than their opponent. CSU also held a slight advantage in rebounds (+4) and scored 10 more points on the fast break.

Here are the takeaways from the beatdown. 

Strong start propelled the Rams 

There was no doubt about who the better team was in this one, the Rams made it clear from the start with a dominant first half. 

CSU jumped out to a 43-20 lead over the first 20 minutes, doing so with tremendous defense and an efficient effort on offense. By halftime the Rams had already forced 14 turnovers, resulting in 15 points for the Green & Gold. It really was a terrific display of on-ball defense and active hands from CSU.  When the Rams were able to steal possessions, they were also able to capitalize with 18 early fast break points as well. The relentless effort on both ends put the visitors in a tough position and allowed CSU to get the confidence going. 

What was especially impressive about the strong defensive showing, aside from the numbers themselves, was that it wasn’t just a couple of individuals taking over the game. Everyone on the floor made an impact in the victory, especially the rotational guys who also contributed in a major way.

Depth is the difference on defense

In the early stages of the 2021-22 season Niko Medved has shown a willingness to trust everyone in the rotation to play key minutes and it makes sense because they’ve all been able to hold their own defensively.

Considering his storied Division II career, it was a safe assumption that Chandler Jacobs would be stout. But John Tonje has really stepped up on that end. And the young guns, Isaiah Rivera and Jalen Lake, have been solid as well. 

All of the aforementioned are more than capable of making an impact as scorers. But with the way they’re also making an impact on defense it’s almost like CSU has the benefit of having two capable starting lineups. There just isn’t a weak link anywhere. 

While the Trojans being short handed had to play a role, I’m not sure having a full squad would have ultimately made the game that much closer. Regardless, though, the stacked talent on this roster should continue to be one of the biggest strengths for this group all year.

Veterans came to play

There’s no questioning the effort that they play with or the impact that Adam Thistlewood and Kendle Moore have had on this program. Coming into the matchup with the Trojans, the offensive production had been lacking from the seniors though. 

What was encouraging on Wednesday was that really for the first time this season, it felt like ‘AT’ and Moore were aggressively seeking and taking advantage of scoring opportunities. On multiple instances Thistlewood drove strong along the baseline and finished through contact at the rim. Moore flashed some of the lethal quickness in transition that he’s become known for. Both guys were effective on both ends all night and it was really great to see. 

CSU isn’t going to accomplish its goals this season without production from its most experienced leaders. We’ll look for more games like tonight from these two as the Rams enter the most difficult portion of the non-conference slate. 

Next up: Saint Mary’s on Saturday.