The Rams opened up their 2016-2017 season with a 64-61 victory over New Mexico State thanks to the big time performances from their newcomers.
Following the CSU men’s basketball team’s 75-60 exhibition win over Regis on Tuesday, head coach Larry Eustachy said sophomore big man Braden Koelliker, “Played like he was a fifth-year senior,” following his 14-point performance.
The Snow College transfer continued to impress on Sunday, his first real game as a Ram, dropping 21 points to go along with nine rebounds in 36 minutes on the floor.
“No, to tell you the truth I didn’t,” Koelliker said when asked if he knew he’d play so many minutes in Colorado State’s season opener. “We are all really, really good players. So it doesn’t really matter who we play; it’s just a matter of getting that W. Whether it be my night tonight or someone else’s night, it doesn’t matter as long as we get the W.”
It certainly looked like Koelliker’s night on Sunday, whose 21 points led all scorers by the time it was all said and done.
Field goals proved hard to come by for the Rams in the first half. Despite shooting just under 26 percent from the field on 27 shots in the first half, the Rams went into the locker room trailing by only three points.
Koelliker played a big part in keeping the Rams in the game in the first half. His hard-earned 11 points, seven of which came from the free-throw line, led all scorers at the half.
“Braden was a major step-up leader,” Eustachy said. “But I give the whole team. This is the type of team that I’ve always loved. Hard, physical — can not shoot the ball well and still win.”
The Rams came out of the half looking like a different team. After trailing the Aggies by as much as 10 points in the first half, they battled back to take a 10-point lead with just under five minutes to play.
The Rams were able to weather Sunday’s storm thanks largely in part to their ability to shoot free throws. They finished the game 25 of 31 from the free-throw line. Koelliker led the way, sinking 13 of his 15 free throws, something that he admitted was foreign to him.
“Tonight was different for everyone; everyone had to take on roles that they’ve never done before and do things that they’ve never done before,” Koelliker said. “I’m just grateful I practiced my free throws these last couple practices.”
The Rams have find themselves looking for a leader following the absence of redshirt senior and starting point guard Gian Clavell. Eustachy was proud of the way his young team stepped up in his absence.
“It was huge,” Eustachy said. “I think they all took part in the situation in proving something: that they can lead too.”
Whether he likes it or not, the sophomore may have solidified himself as a leader on a young Rams team.
“It just fell into place,” Koelliker said. “Whether that be my role or whether it’s not, I think it helped and I think we can all step up no matter what the day is and take a role just like that.”