NCAA Basketball: Purdue, Marquette rise in latest top 25 power ranking
By Joey Loose
22. Colorado State (6-0)
Time will tell on what exactly we can expect from this Colorado State team this season, but it’s impossible to deny that Niko Medved’s school deserves some attention. The Rams took a major step backwards last season after some injuries and inconsistent play but certainly have taken another step forward three weeks into this season, especially after their performance on Thanksgiving.
Already possessing four victories on the year, the Rams headed to Kansas City for the Hall of Fame Classic and exceeded expectations. First, they scored an 86-74 victory over Boston College on Wednesday, getting double-digit performances from all five starters in their first power conference win of the season. The following day was even more outstanding, as Colorado State took on a Top 10 team in Creighton and blew them away, winning 69-48 to claim the tournament title. Isaiah Stevens was phenomenal with 20 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds against the Bluejays.
Colorado State is winning games in style, having just had one of their best defensive performances in recent memory on Thanksgiving. There’s a lot to like about Stevens and the rest of this squad and they’ve certainly put up the results to deserve a spot in the rankings for now. Next week brings a tough home test against rival Colorado before playing another Pac-12 foe in Washington; can the Rams continue this unbeaten start past next week?