Colorado State Completes Comeback To Win Paradise Jam
CSU wins first tournament since 2014
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David Roddy named tournament MVP
Colorado State completed a 20 point comeback to win the Paradise Jam tournament over Northereastern. The Rams won their third game in four days and their second tough matchup in three games. Not discounting how good a team Creighton is, but CSU struggled more against Bradley and Northeastern.
David Roddy was named tournament MVP after averaging 31 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Roddy was the difference maker for the Rams. He took over and powered the Rams to victory over Bradley and Northeastern. And then shot lights out against Creighton where he went 13-20 from the floor including 7-10 from three.
Isaiah Stevens also was in double figures for the tournament with 11.7 points per game. He was also instrumental in getting the offense going as he averaged 8.7 assists per game. Stevens has largely taken a back seat to Roddy this season, but continues to do the dirty work to lead this team.
Game 1: Colorado State 66-60 Bradley
The Rams struggled with Bradley’s length early in this game. The Braves were able to clog the lane and step out on defense keeping CSU somewhat contained. The Rams shot only 24% from the floor in the first half, with only four Rams putting their name on the scoring sheet.
Wonder what @coachNikoMedved is thinking during a game? Here is an inside look from the @paradisejam opener against Bradley!#TeamTogether pic.twitter.com/xfYw6b7mv7
— Colorado State Men’s Basketball (@CSUMBasketball) November 21, 2021
In the second half Roddy came alive, scoring 23 of his 30 points and grabbing six of his 10 rebounds. Six other Rams put their name on the stat sheet with Dischon Thomas and John Tonje joining Roddy in double figues with 11 and 13 points respectively.
Game 2: Colorado State 95-81 Creighton
After Roddy did most of his damage driving to the basket against Bradley, Creighton decided to lay off and let him shoot. Which in theory is a good plan as he is only a 26% career three point shooter. However, the Rams had a different idea. Setting a school record, CSU hit 20 three point shots on 34 attempts. With Roddy going 7-10 from deep himself.
1️⃣ hour until tip of the @paradisejam Championship! 𝕃𝔼𝕋'𝕊 𝔾𝕆 ℝ𝔸𝕄𝕊!#TeamTogether x #CSURams pic.twitter.com/7ezOG0kG6R
— Colorado State Men’s Basketball (@CSUMBasketball) November 23, 2021
Dischon Thomas once again joined Roddy in double figures with 21 points, going 5-8 from three as well. Also in double figures was Isaiah Steves, who finished with a 17 point, 11 assist double-double with no turnovers. This was an absolutely lights out shooting night for the Rams as they finished at 53% from the floor and 58.8% from three.
Game 3: Colorado State 71-61 Northeastern
The Rams looked like they were on their way to another performance like their one against St. Mary’s last year. And then David Roddy showed why he was named MVP. The Rams were held to 20 points, shooting just 32% from the field, and only hitting one three point shot in the first half.
A Little celebration bath for @coachNikoMedved!#CHAMPIONS #TeamTogether pic.twitter.com/0znvAne893
— Colorado State Men’s Basketball (@CSUMBasketball) November 23, 2021
The Rams were down 42-22 with 17:33 left on the clock in the 2nd half and then went on a 49-19 run to end the game. A big part of this comeback was Colorado State going small, spreading out the Northeastern defense, driving the lane, and getting fouls.
The Huskies commited just eight fouls in the first half, but commited 16 in the second half leading to 23 CSU free throw attempts where they went 18-23 to finish out the game. Roddy had 19 of his 27 points in the second half. Isaiah Stevens was the only other Rams in double figures with 13 points to go along with eight assists.
Next Up
The Rams now get the rest of the week to get back to Colorado and recover before they face the Northern Colorado Bears on Saturday November 27th.
