Such was the case for the Colorado State Rams (5-2) against the visiting Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils (1-7). The Rams came back home from a less-than-impressive showing at the Charleston Classic to a dominant 88-45 win to kick off a three-game homestand. It's the first time Colorado State has held an opponent to less than 50 points since playing at San Jose State on January 15 last season.
"Our guys took care of business today," head coach Niko Medved said. "Sometimes it's a little bit hard to get into a rhythm against that kind of zone that they play, but we found our way, a lot of guys contributed, and happy to get out of here with a win."
For Medved's team to get back in the driver's seat at Moby Arena where they have dominated in recent years, it will feel good in the early stretch of the season. Not only has their record at home improved to 39-6 in the last four years and 4-0 this year, but they also put up the most points in this young season with 88.
The Rams also continue to exert their power in non-conference games as they have in recent years. They have now improved to 27-7 in the last four years. Getting the work done in front of a wonderful crowd just days after Thanksgiving makes it just a bit sweeter.
"I feel great," freshman guard Taviontae Jackson said. "I'm not going to lie, when I first started, I was a little nervous."
Jackson was one of the many players who found lots of time on the court and produced when called upon. The freshman guard recorded 16 points, seven rebounds and five steals – all career highs.
He played 27:37 of the 40 minutes of action, the second-most from Saturday's matinee matchup, only behind Jalen Lake. Lake spent much of the game guarding Delta Devils star Terry Collins and built-up confidence in said role, Medved stated to open his press conference. Lake was far from the only one to build up confidence after this one, however.
"(Tavi) is a young man that has a lot of talent and has had a lot thrown at him here in a short period of time," Medved said. "He can make a lot of plays, he just keeps getting better and better, and the fans can see he can do a lot of things that affect winning."
While the Rams held the lead for the entire time, it was a sluggish start. Colorado State seemed as if they were playing down to their opponent, only going 1-for-5 on field goals, turning the ball over multiple times, and creating lulls in scoring both for themselves and their opponent.
While perhaps players were still stuffed from Thanksgiving meals, the Rams finally did start to take control after the midway point of the first half. A lot of it was due to John Tonje, who continues to lead his team in the right direction. He ended Saturday afternoon's game with a season-high 25 points which included a 14-2 run to end the half.
"We have a high standard," Medved said. "I'm looking at multiple efforts and flying around. Was it terrible? No, but not where we might quite want it to be. I thought we ratcheted up from there and it's easy when you make your first five shots, but that's not the way basketball goes."
While Colorado State was in cruise control and playing a variety of players, there was one moment where the crowd's breath was taken away. Josiah Strong drove the basket before being cut down by Mississippi Valley State's Alvin Stredic and taking a hard fall.
Strong would stay down for a couple of minutes before being pulled up and taking his free throws. However, he did continue to mess with his wrist and arm area where he landed hard. With a roster like the Rams has, it was a relief to see him able to finish the game.
"I think he's fine," Medved said. "You hate to see that happen; he's trying to work himself back into game shape. Sometimes, one of those plays lets you know 'oh, I'm alive man, I'm back!'"
Back they are. Getting back in the win column is nice after dropping the final two games in South Carolina, and Medved's team looks ahead to Wednesday's clash with Loyola Marymount in the second of three games at home in the week.
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