5 takeaways: Colorado State's depth prevailed against Utah State Wednesday night

FORT COLLINS — 12-1. 

Colorado State got back to its winning ways on Wednesday night. The Rams took down the Utah State Aggies, 77-72, in a matchup that was hard fought for all 40 minutes.

“Really proud of these guys for finding a way to earn a victory today,” men’s head basketball coach Niko Medved said postgame. “It’s never easy, you know, two good teams. Utah State would never go away. Every time we looked like we maybe had a chance to get some separation, we just never really could.”

CSU started just 2-of-12 from the field, so it appeared as if Ram Nation could be in for another long night early. About halfway through the first half, though, the Rams responded with a 14-1 run. And that offensive spark combined with a solid defensive performance allowed CSU to establish an early lead that they carried into halftime (33-24).

The run started with a steal from true freshman guard Jalen Lake and ultimately led to a breakaway layup from Isaiah Stevens. From there Stevens and Lake each made a three in the ensuing possessions. Chandler Jacobs and David Roddy then contributed with some points in the paint. And by the 3 minute mark the Rams were winning by 10, which was the most CSU ever led by in this victory. 

“I really liked our defense early and I did think we were getting some good looks at the basket. They just weren’t going down. But that’s basketball,” men’s head basketball coach Niko Medved said postgame. “But we kept staying with it. And I thought that play really energized (us). Jalen Lake got to the ball and knocked it loose, ‘Zae’ got to the floor, (we) go and lay it in. And I thought that picked our energy up to another level. That was great to see. Jalen Lake just brings tremendous energy for us off the bench.”

Lake hit three threes in the victory and finished with 11 points in the home win. He wasn’t the only guy off the bench that provided a spark though. Chandler Jacobs had 11 points and nine rebounds in 23 tremendous minutes off the bench. He was locked down on defense, and his presence in general just seemed to provide a boost for the Green & Gold on both ends of the floor. 

Following the victory, Jacobs spoke to CSU’s ability to pull out a gritty win. “I think that’s the strength of our team. I think we’ve been able to win in multiple ways. And that’s something we’re really good at. We’re a tough team and that’s what tough teams do, you find a way at the end of the day to get it done.”

CSU finished with 10 more bench points on Wednesday night, so the disparity in depth was on display, especially with the Aggies missing Brock Miller. Here are a few of the other takeaways from the 12th victory of the 2021-22 campaign. 

Roddy and Stevens shined 

Along with quality minutes from the reserves, the Rams certainly benefited from another dominant evening from the stars. David Roddy (24 points) and Isaiah Stevens (22 points) were a combined 16-of-25 from the floor (64 percent) as they combined for 46 against the Aggies. 

Stevens paced the squad in assists (4), pitched in with four rebounds and finished +13 in a team-high 35 minutes of action. Roddy, on the other hand, led CSU in scoring and grabbed six rebounds. He dished out a couple of assists and recorded a block on defense. He also hit one of the biggest shots of the game — after USU took the lead with 4:37 to play (62-60), Roddy drilled a three to put CSU back on top. And his efforts defending Justin Bean made a big impact in the outcome, as did his ability to stay on the floor for the final 6 minutes with four fouls. 

“It’s really tough. I’ve been in that position multiple times in my career here at CSU. So I just wanted to stay in front of them,” Roddy said in response to a question about playing with foul trouble. “Sometimes you might have to let them go on an open layup, like I did with (Sean) Bairstow. So just trying to be careful, pretty much, (and) play my game on offense.” 

The shots started to fall 

We still haven’t seen the Rams perform at the level they’re capable of on the offensive end since going close to a month without playing a game, but it’s clear that CSU is getting closer to regaining that form. 

There were a lot of open opportunities that didn’t fall for the Green & Gold in this one, however, the Rams looked much more in sync offensively than they did against San Diego State, even with a solid defensive outing from the Aggies. 

CSU finished with respectable numbers on Wednesday, as the Rams shot 46 percent from the floor and 37 percent from deep. If they continue to consistently produce good looks, though, we’ll only see those figures improve over time, particularly if CSU can get production from the starting lineup and rotation like the Rams did against USU.

Don’t expect changes to the lineup soon

It’s been a tough stretch for some of the most experienced players on the roster. Adam Thistlewood finished with 0 points in 13 minutes and missed a couple of wide-open looks early. Kendle Moore wasn’t much better at 2-of-7 in a 5 point performance either. 

While neither guy has performed at the level fans have become accustomed to over the years this season, at least offensively, don’t expect Niko Medved to shake up the lineup any time soon. Medved trusts the seniors to work through their offensive woes. “I have so much faith in those guys and who they are,” Medved said. “So tonight was Chandler and Jalen’s night — they’ve obviously played really well — that’s why they’re assuming more minutes for us. Will we change the lineup? I don’t know. I think it’s more about finding the right lineups in the right situations.”

While it may be surprising to some of the supporters, honestly it makes sense that Medved doesn’t appear all that eager to shake things up any time soon. For one thing, CSU is 12-1, so the rotation has clearly been largely effective. But we also need to remember that Moore and Thistlewood have played massive roles in the ascension of the program, they’ve earned those spots in the starting lineup. 

CSU has an abundance of talent this season and I think there’s a logical argument that the offensive capabilities of John Tonje, Chandler Jacobs or Jalen Lake are worth exploring in the starting five. Or at least I can see why folks would be interested in trying something different with the way the bench guys have produced and the starting seniors have struggled to score at times this season. But whether they are on the floor from the opening tip or are playing 20-25 minutes as reserves, all of the aforementioned are going to play substantial time. As long as the Rams are winning, why make a drastic change to the rotation? As the old adage goes, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. 

The Rams were clutch when it mattered

Finally, it wasn’t a perfect performance from Medved’s squad, when the game was there for the taking over the final 5 minutes, though, CSU stepped on USU’s throat.

After surrendering the lead with 4:37 to play (62-60), Roddy stepped up and a drilled a three with a hand in his face to take it back (63-60). And from there CSU never trailed again. It should also be noted that the Rams executed three in-bound plays over the final 30 seconds. And they made their final 14 free throws to secure the win. Things might not have been the prettiest at times, but CSU played winning basketball when it really mattered.

Next up: San Jose State on Saturday.