FORT COLLINS. – Colorado State embarks on a significant challenge during the regular season as it faces off against three-time reigning Mountain West Champion UNLV in Las Vegas on Wednesday. The tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. MT and will be available for streaming on the MW Network.
WEEKLY AGENDA Colorado State (12-4, 3-0 MW) vs. UNLV (11-4, 3-0 MW) Thomas and Mack Center // Las Vegas, Nev.
Wednesday, Jan. 6 // 7:30 PM
Watch: Mountain West Network
Live Stats:
StatBroadcast Colorado State Women’s Basketball Media Hub RAM DISCUSSION - The Previous Week: Colorado State has continued to excel in the early stages of the conference season, securing two convincing double-digit victories on home turf. Sisters Hannah (16 pts, 18 reb) and Emma (24 pts, 7 reb) Ronsiek came together for 40 points and 25 rebounds to guide a substantial win over San Diego State on Wednesday, while the Rams distributed 25 assists in a decisive 87-51 triumph over San Jose State on Saturday.
- Double Threat: Emma Ronsiek and Brooke Carlson paired up to take both weekly Mountain West honors, with Ronsiek (22.0 pts, 6.5 reb) named player of the week and Carlson (10.0 pts, 6.5 assists) recognized as freshman of the week. Ronsiek contributed 22 of her 24 points to lead the Rams to victory over San Diego State on Wednesday, subsequently delivering a 20-point, six-rebound performance against San Jose State on Saturday. Carlson was dynamic in the Rams’ victory over the Spartans, netting 13 points and achieving a career-high eight assists. Colorado State remains the sole team to have secured the MW Player of the Week title multiple times this season, claiming it on four distinct occasions.
- Game Changer: Emma Ronsiek has emerged as one of the most versatile players this season, showcasing her capability to influence the game in various aspects. Ronsiek is among just eight players nationally averaging 19.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists against Division 1 competitors this season, alongside talents like JuJu Watkins (USC) and Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame), and stands as the only forward with such statistics. According to HerHoopStats, Ronsiek’s averages against DI opponents rank in the 98th percentile or higher for minutes (36.3), points (19.5), field goals (6.9), and three-point field goals (2.8).
- Three-Point Prowess: Colorado State has excelled from beyond the arc this season, successfully converting 36.8% of their long-range attempts, leading the MW and ranking 25th nationally. The three-pointer has become an integral component of the Rams’ offensive strategy, averaging 8.9 successful shots from deep per game, which leads the league and ranks 22nd nationally. Graduate seniors Emma Ronsiek and Hannah Simental have been exceptional shooters from long-range, with Ronsiek leading all MW players with 41 three-pointers (24th nationally), while Simental ranks sixth with 29.
- 60’s The Benchmark: Colorado State has established itself as one of the finest defensive units in the Mountain West, limiting opponents to a mere 35.6% shooting from the field (first in MW, 22nd nationally) and restricting teams to just 58.6 points per game (first in the MW). The Rams aim to keep opponents below 60 points, with 10 of their 12 victories this season coming when achieving that target.
- Securing Possession: The Rams excel in several areas; however, one of their keys to triumph is something they avoid: committing turnovers. The Rams have led the nation in fewest turnovers per game for the past two seasons, averaging just 9.1 turnovers per game in 2023-24. Even with a revamped roster, this characteristic has been passed down to the current team, which averages merely 9.4 turnovers, again leading the nation. The Green and Gold are one of only two teams in Division I with fewer than 10 turnovers per game.
- Sisters in Action: Sisters Emma and Hannah Ronsiek have fulfilled the expectations of their reunion thus far, consistently being the Rams’ top scorers and rebounders this season. Emma averages 18.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while also leading the team in assists (3.3 per). Meanwhile, Hannah contributes an average of 10.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game and tops the Rams in steals (1.4).
SCOUTING OVERVIEW
The UNLV Lady Rebels: The Lady Rebels are the three-time defending Mountain West Champions, achieving 30 or more wins in each of the previous two seasons. UNLV boasts a MW-best average of 75.1 points per game, spearheaded by four players scoring in double-digits. Kiara Jackson is a versatile guard for the Lady Rebels, averaging 12.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game.