The Colorado State Rams men’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting home game against the New Mexico Lobos this Saturday at Moby Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. MT, marking a crucial Mountain West Conference home opener for the Rams.
Basketball fans, take note: tickets are available for just $7 and can be purchased online at CSURams.com/Tickets. In a fantastic initiative to encourage young fans and students, any student with a valid school ID – from elementary to college level – will receive free admission to the game. Adding to the game day excitement, fans are invited to stay after the basketball matchup for a watch party inside Moby Arena. The big screen will broadcast the CSU football team competing in the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, and concession stands will remain open throughout the bowl game.
The Rams enter this contest fresh off a hard-fought 66-64 victory at Nevada, which served as their Mountain West season opener. In that game, Kyan Evans delivered a breakout performance, scoring a career-high 16 points, including a critical three-pointer in the closing minutes. Evans has been on a hot streak recently, averaging 9.6 points over his last seven games and boasting an impressive 50% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc in his last five outings.
Nique Clifford also played a pivotal role in the win against Nevada, contributing 16 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, securing his sixth double-double of the season. Clifford leads the Rams in scoring and rebounding, averaging 16.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. His consistent performance has garnered preseason All-Mountain West honors, building upon his third-team recognition last season. Rashaan Mbemba rounded out the double-figure scorers for CSU in their last game, adding 10 points. Since returning from injury, Mbemba has been a significant contributor, averaging 12.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
Off the bench, Keshawn Williams has provided a spark for the Rams’ offense, averaging 7.2 points per game. His scoring has surged in the past three games, where he’s averaged 12.0 points while shooting an impressive 68.2% from the field. Historically, Colorado State holds a 15-10 record in Mountain West home openers, and they defeated New Mexico in last season’s conference home opener, 76-68.
Freshman Kyle Jorgensen was recently recognized as the Mountain West Freshman of the Week. This accolade followed his performance averaging 9.0 points and 6.0 rebounds in his first two conference games. Notably, he scored seven consecutive points in overtime against TSU earlier in the season. Jorgensen has started in four games this year, averaging 6.2 points and 2.6 rebounds, showing promising potential early in his college career.
Head Coach Niko Medved is currently in his seventh season leading the Colorado State program. His tenure has been marked by significant success, with a 124-80 record as Rams head coach. He ranks second in program history for wins, trailing only Jim Williams. Medved achieved his 100th win at home last year, becoming only the fifth coach in program history to reach this milestone. He is also the only coach in program history to achieve four 20-plus win seasons. Earlier this season, he celebrated his 200th career win with the Rams’ overtime victory against TCU.
The 2024-25 Rams roster features ten new players, including six transfers and four true freshmen, signaling a significant roster turnover and infusion of new talent. While the program has seen the departure of all-time leading scorer and assists leader Isaiah Stevens to professional basketball – recently signing a two-way contract with the Miami Heat – the team looks to forge a new identity. Currently, CSU has two players in the NBA or G League: David Roddy (Atlanta Hawks) and Isaiah Stevens (Miami Heat/Sioux Falls Skyforce), demonstrating the program’s growing influence.
Scouting the New Mexico Lobos
The New Mexico Lobos will arrive in Fort Collins after a 10-day break, their last game being a 78-71 home win against VCU on December 18. Donovan Dent was the standout performer in that game, erupting for 40 points. Dent leads the Lobos’ offense, averaging 19.6 points and 7.3 assists per game. Inside, Nelly Junior Joseph is a force, nearly averaging a double-double with 13.0 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. As a team, the Lobos are potent offensively, leading the Mountain West in scoring (87.0 ppg) and steals (10.3 spg), ranking among the nation’s top teams in these categories.
Looking Ahead
Following the matchup against New Mexico, Colorado State will travel to the Bay Area to face San Jose State on New Year’s Eve. The Rams and Spartans are set to tip-off at 3 p.m. MT. CSU fans can then look forward to the Rams’ return to Moby Arena on Tuesday, January 7, for a home game against Fresno State at 7 p.m. MT. Don’t miss the action as Colorado State battles New Mexico in this Mountain West Conference contest!
