Houston Forward J’wan Roberts (13) celebrates a successful dunk during the second half of an NCAA college Men’s Basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

The No. 4 Cougars returned to the Fertitta Center and crushed Jackson State 97-40 in the 100th game at the arena, extending their home win streak to 23 games, the longest active streak in the country.

Houston celebrated a new milestone as graduate forward J’Wan Roberts became the winningest player in Fertitta Center history. The win allowed him to break a tie with former point guard Jamal Shead, as he now holds a 63-3 home record.

In the early minutes of the second half, the Cougars delivered four straight dunks, with three coming from Roberts. The crowd erupted as Houston took a 47-point lead, which grew to as much as 58 before the end of the contest.

In the first half, Jackson State went six straight minutes without scoring, allowing Houston to go on a 17-point run, with graduate guard L.J. Cryer contributing eight points to seal the deal.

The Tigers managed to get up a single 3-pointer to break the run, but Roberts was notably absent from the scoring frenzy until this point.

When the six-year guard woke, he did so in commanding fashion, tallying the last eight points of the first half to put Houston up 52-13 and become the 10th Cougar to get a point on the board. 

He finished the night with 14 points and six rebounds.

Houston attacked first as junior guard Milos Uzan scored the Cougars’ first basket of the season with a 3-pointer, marking the first points of his Houston career. He finished the night with eight points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. 

Houston’s onslaught even allowed the newcomers to get a taste of the action. Freshman guard Mercy Miller scored his first collegiate points, contributing seven, while redshirt freshman guard Kordelius Jefferson tallied four points and two rebounds in five minutes of play.

In response to senior forward Ja’Vier Francis’ absence from a groin injury, sophomore forward Jo Jo Tugler made a quick impact in his starting role, igniting the crowd by blocking a shot on one end and following up with a powerful dunk and a 3-pointer on the next two Houston possessions. He finished the night with seven rebounds and three blocks. 

Cryer led the way with 16 points, going 4 for 6 from beyond the arc, while Mylik Wilson delivered off the bench with 15 points, three rebounds and three assists.

Next Houston will face No. 11 Auburn in the Mattress Firm Battleground 2k24 at Toyota Center on Saturday, Nov. 9.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Roberts makes history as Cougars crush Jackson State, 100th game in Fertitta Center” was originally posted on The Cougar

Fighting through new adversity: The Rams’ telling tale to open the 2024-25 season.

Colorado State women’s basketball trailed 37-25 to San Francisco at the 3:22 mark of the third quarter, with seemingly little hope to climb back due to night-long shooting woes.

With the spark of the Ronsiek sisters, Emma and Hannah, this younger Rams team was able to grit out a 52-47 win through a veteran-led-fourth-quarter comeback.

Emma Ronsiek did not take a single rest Monday night, as she played all 40 minutes and led the team with 18 points, with seven of those coming in that fourth quarter.

Emma Ronsiek was being repeatedly double-teamed in the post throughout the game, yet she was able to both score while doubled and find the open shooter working off of the double-team.

“I really pride myself on being able to pass it out of a double team,” Emma Ronsiek said. “I think teams are going to have a hard time dealing with us when we do have shooters. … I think we’re just going to keep getting better as the year goes on and it’s gonna be really exciting.”

From a shooting perspective, there is not much room for excitement for the Rams. They struggled heavily tonight, shooting 29% from the field, and 30% from beyond the arc. However, the Dons were even colder and a large part due to some great Ram defense all night, as San Francisco shot 27% from the field and 21% from three.

“A little slow? That was molasses slow,” said coach Ryun Williams, when asked about the team’s slow start tonight. “I am concerned. We have to find some easier offense. We had some good looks early. I think we played a little unsettled when the ball didn’t go in early, and those were 3-point shots. We’ve got to get some stuff to the basket earlier in the game to get settled.”

Despite night-long shooting struggles, a come-from-behind win showing the toughness of the squad gives the team hope and a viewpoint to come out of this game happy about.

“I’m proud of this win, this is a great victory for our basketball team,” Williams said. “We had to win with the toughness and the defensive end. … A lot of things I think we learnt, and it’s a great first victory.”

CSU started the fourth quarter on an 9-2 run prior to the first timeout of the fourth coming off of two 3s from both Ronsiek sisters and a Brooke Carlson layup. 

The Rams would later outscore the Dons 13-8, emphasizing defense to hold USF to 5-for-17 from the field in the fourth.

“We let them go on a little bit of a run in the third, which I thought was cause for concern based on how our offense was going,” Emma Ronsiek said. “I thought we really stuck it into that fourth quarter and got some really good stops.”

Carlson continued tonight to be a net positive in scarce minutes off the bench, chipping in six points and two steals that seemingly always came at a perfect time.

“Brooke came in and did a great job,” Williams said. “She just plays with a different gear and she puts a little different pressure on the defense, and so we had to try something, and maybe we need a little more of that.”

Half of CSU’s eight 3-balls tonight came in the fourth quarter, including a spot-up corner one from Sanna Strom off of an Emma Ronsiek assist out of a double-team.

The clincher was the lead-taking shot from the transfer guard Hannah Simental with 2:53 remaining to give the Rams a 46-43 lead and a lead that would remain for good.

“Not all wins are going to be pretty wins,” Hannah Ronsiek said. “That one was not a super pretty game to watch, but a win is a win.”

While this CSU team will be looking for contributions from the fab five freshmen as the year goes on, a season-opening comeback win behind the arms of key veterans and experienced players in Williams’ system gives reassurance that this team has the power to compete on every given night.

“We were a little outmanned on the glass, but we really fought,” Williams said. “I’m really happy with how we guarded, because that’s where I thought was the weakest part of our game, but obviously it’s on the other end, that ball has got to get in the basket more.”

It is very rare for a team to look their best in their first game of the year, so to start by adding a tally in the win column regardless of how the win came about is a special feat to open a new season.

With this win, the Rams have now won seven-straight season openers dating back to 2018, and take the lead in the all-time series with the Dons 5-4.

CSU welcomes future Pac-12 comrade Oregon State – coming off a 2024 Elite 8 appearance – at 5:30 p.m., on Friday in Moby Arena. 

Reach Devin Imsirpasic at sports@collegian.com or on Twitter at @DImsirpasic.

Houston forward J’wan Roberts (13) holds the ball as Texas A&M Forward-center Pharrel Payne (21) attempts to block during the second half of an NCAA college men’s basketball game, Sunday, October 27, 2024, in Houston. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

With a total of 14 hungry Cougars, including four returning starters and a fiery head coach, Houston is on the hunt for its elusive national title.

After a heartbreaking end to their tournament run last season, Houston, ranked No. 4 in the AP preseason poll, is ready to begin their climb to the top.

Here’s a look at what the Cougars’ roster looks like heading into the 2024-25 season.

Backcourt

The Cougars welcome a new floor general in junior point guard Milos Uzan, a transfer from Oklahoma. The Las Vegas native was the only Sooner to start every game during the 2023-24 season, in which he averaged nine points, 4.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Houston will look to integrate Uzan’s playing style into the Cougar culture as they attempt to replace former point guard Jamal Shead, the heart of last year’s team.

Seasoned veterans will surround Uzan, including graduate guard L.J. Cryer. Cryer led the Cougars in scoring last season with 15.5 points per game and led the Big 12 with three three-pointers per game.

The Katy, Texas, native was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team following his first year in Houston and earned a spot on the preseason All-Big 12 First Team ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Another returning scorer is redshirt junior guard Emanuel Sharp, who appeared in all 37 games last season.

His 12.6 points per game in 2023-24 put him third among the Cougars and earned him an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention.

Redshirt sophomore guard Terrance Arceneaux is poised for impact after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in December 2023.

Before going down, he averaged 4.5 rebounds in his 11 games and put up a career-high 10 boards against Jackson State.

Senior guard Ramon Walker Jr. has entered his fourth year in Houston and has experience competing in big games. He is a key culture-builder and defensive specialist, who will look to be a spark for the team.

Graduate guard Mylik Wilson is highly versatile and will contribute valuable experience to the backcourt, gained from his time with three college programs.

Redshirt freshman Kordelius Jefferson, ranked as the No. 7 recruit in Texas, and true freshman Mercy Miller, a four-star recruit from Sherman Oaks, Calif., are waiting to make their Cougar debuts.

Frontcourt

Under the basket, the Cougars are led by sixth-year graduate forward J’wan Roberts, who brings a winning mentality. Last season, he became the third-winningest player in school history with 117 victories.

Averaging 6.8 rebounds per game, he was one of only three players ranked among the Big 12’s top-10 leaders in both offensive and defensive boards. This year, the 6-foot-8 veteran earned a spot on the preseason All-Big 12 First Team.

Another veteran, Senior forward Ja’Vier Francis is in his fourth year with the Cougars.

The 6-foot-8 forward has a 7-foot-5 wingspan and led the team with 1.6 blocks per game.

After only starting one game during his sophomore season, Francis became one of three Cougars to start all 37 games in 2023-24.

Another Cougar returning from injury is sophomore Joseph “JoJo” Tugler, who suffered a season-ending foot injury in February 2024.

The 6-foot-8 forward has a 7-foot-6 wingspan and played in 28 games last season, ranking second on the team in blocks and third in offensive rebounds.

Rounding out the front-court players who have seen the floor is redshirt sophomore Cedric Lath.

The 6-foot-9 center competed in 25 games last season. In the first round of the NCAA tournament, he made his tournament debut and tallied a career-high three blocks against Longwood.

Four-star recruits, redshirt freshman center Jacob McFarland and true freshman forward Chase McCarty will look to learn from the best. McFarland suffered a leg injury in practice over the week and underwent surgery.

Coach Sampson

Kelvin Sampson is in his 11th season with Houston, having led the Cougars to the Sweet 16 five straight seasons.

A proven leader, Sampson has been instrumental in developing student-athletes on and off the court, creating a culture of resilience.

Despite injuries last season, Sampson guided the team to its third straight 30-win season, culminating with Houston winning a Big 12 regular-season title to cap off the team’s first year in the conference.

With tough competition ahead, Sampson and his Cougars are sure to make noise.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Breaking down Houston men’s basketball 2024-25 roster” was originally posted on The Cougar

Happy election week, stars! This is a week of divisiveness in the cosmos and at the polls, so above all, remember to take care of yourself however you can. The planets are looking at major change as Mercury enters optimistic Sagittarius, fueling inspired conversations and new ideas.

It’s a perfect time to shed old patterns and prepare for new beginnings. The Scorpio new moon Nov. 1 prompted us to reflect on power structures in our lives. With Mars charging into Leo, we have the fire and drive to thoughtfully take our first steps toward our ambitions. It’s time to evolve, strengthen our communities and, of course, vote.

Love,

A Libra supporter

Aries (March 21 – April 19):

Power is in your voice this week. Stand up for what you believe in, even when it’s hard to be heard. It’s time to embrace change as a chance to break from what’s not working and add your unique perspective to the mix. You’re all about bold moves, so speak up, Aries.

Aries survival guide: Say what you mean, vote with pride, debate for fun and go with the flow. 

Taurus (April 20 – May 20):

Is it hot in here, or is that just you? It’s not just political texts blowing up your phone this week; everyone is fighting over a minute of your time. Remember to stay connected with what matters when dealing with romantic partners. Find your values, and hold steady as others share theirs, Taurus. 

Taurus survival guide: Stay grounded, reconnect with what you’re proud to stand behind, be stubborn and don’t date someone whose vote you’d have to cancel out. 

Gemini (May 21 – June 20):

Question everything. This week wants you to challenge stale beliefs and refresh your outlook. Maybe you’re changing your vote or inspiring someone to change theirs. Conversations may bring new insights, so stay open to what others have to say. Either way, be the voice of change, Gemini. 

Gemini survival guide: Argue the semantics, debate as a sport, ask the tough questions and get to the bottom of things. 

Cancer (June 21 – July 22):

Yeah, voting is our civic duty. But you know better than most that change comes from the choices you make daily. This week, your community is calling, and small actions can help you feel at home in a shared mission. Show up, Cancer.

Cancer survival guide: Lead with empathy, volunteer, have tough conversations, rally others around a common cause and show up for your community. 

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22):

It’s time to expand your horizons as this week supports big inner growth. Think of it as a chance to vote for your future — you’re creating something new. Shed outdated mindsets, and ignore any doubts you have in yourself. You’re worth it, Leo.

Leo survival guide: Ask questions, kick the imposter syndrome, make friends in line at the polls and let yourself shine. 

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 23): 

You’ve done your research and submitted your ballot, and you’re ready to take a stand. This week supports your natural drive to plan for the future and asks you to turn things up a notch. You’re becoming a strong leader, but you need to remember to be patient with others. Take charge, Virgo.

Virgo survival guide: Implement change, take deep breaths, advocate for your candidate of choice and use your voice. 

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22):

This week you’re redefine what balance means to you in your work life and social life. Your unique perspective will shine brightest when you’re surrounded by allies, so work on creating a space where you can bring harmony into shared goals and remember there’s no shame in delegating tasks to others. There’s power in numbers, Libra. 

Libra survival guide: Rally with people who encourage your ideas, avoid those who drain you, make a plan for your goals and hone in on what really matters. 

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21):

It’s estimated only 3% of voters are undecided, and you are not one of them; you know who you are and where your values lie. The path forward is clearer when you reflect on what’s important and get rid of what no longer serves you. Out with the old, Scorpio.

Scorpio survival guide: Release old attachments, look within, find a new approach to old ideals and dream about what you want your life to look like.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21):

Prepare to fall down some informational rabbit holes, as this week brings new perspectives, new people and big ideas. Allow yourself to dive into topics you’ve been curious about — these discoveries can unlock a fresh way of looking at things, Sagittarius.

Sagittarius survival guide: Read your voter guide, embrace the journey, ask the right questions and try something new.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19):

This week asks you to reflect on how you create community. You’re not the same person you were last election, but has your communication style evolved with you? Remember that traditions and habits are meant to be questioned or bucked altogether. So get out of your own way, Capricorn. 

Capricorn survival guide: Respond to your unanswered texts, journal about how your communication can improve and don’t be afraid to try something new.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18):

As Pluto makes its way into your sign this month, it’s time to vote for your own authenticity. Question your traditions, and find your own unique way of doing things. It’s time to build your own beliefs and inspire others to follow. What truly resonates with you, Aquarius?

Aquarius survival guide: Argue with the wall, say exactly how you feel, be completely yourself and don’t shy away from hard questions.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20):

Self-awareness is shining bright this week as you’re being asked to reflect on how you spend your days. Do you have a stable routine or just concepts of one? Whether you’re overworking yourself or procrastinating it all, now’s the time to make the change, Pisces.

Pisces survival guide: Rewrite your routines, check things off your to-do list, hang out with your besties and spend time wisely.

Reach Sophia Masia at entertainment@collegian.com or on Twitter @CSUCollegian.

Ani’s blend of street-smart grit, humor and vulnerability captivates from the outset of the film. Ani is not a one-dimensional figure — she’s complex, flawed and deeply human, challenging stereotypes attached to sex work.

On Aug. 1, 2024, the University of Oregon announced a five-year partnership with Kaplan International Pathways to boost international student enrollment. 

Through a partnership with the UK-based agency, UO hopes to enroll roughly 90 international students from all over the world for the 2025-2026 school year, according to the UO Admissions Office. 

According to their website, Kaplan International aids UO in recruiting international students for undergraduate degrees by helping students through the admissions process and promoting the university.

Alfredo Varela, the associate director of international admissions, and Erin Hays, the associate vice president for student services and enrollment management and director of admissions, said they both are excited about the partnership. 

“Kaplan has invested a lot of time and effort and money with the hope of getting students and they’ve really done so much in terms of marketing. They send teams of people over here and they’ve arranged events overseas,” Varela said.

According to Varela, Kaplan International is primarily a testing and educational agency, which provides students with English language training and support for tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, the Medical College Admissions Test and the Law School Admissions Test.

UO international enrollment was at a peak in 2014, but, according to Hays, it began decreasing after both the 2016 election and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the new partnership with Kaplan International, UO hopes to enroll roughly 350 international students over the next few academic years. 

“We’re hoping to see a steady increase [in enrollment] over the next few years and get back to close to where we were pre-COVID-19 and 2014. We’re really working to see a lot more diversity in our student body,” Varela said.

According to Varela, there are organizations similar to Kaplan all over the world, but the agency’s values closely align with the university’s. 

“Kaplan is unique because they have a very limited number of schools that they’re working with, it’s only five in the United States and we’re the only school on the West Coast that they’re representing and working with. That gives us a real advantage,” Hays said.

Discussions about a potential partnership began after Varela reconnected with a former UO representative who now serves as a Kaplan International representative. 

According to Varela, Kaplan International does not provide students with any form of financial assistance, but they do provide resources to international students studying abroad. 

“They understand the system, they know the deadlines and GPAs. There’s dozens and dozens of different grading systems, so Kaplan really supports this process for the students and helps them understand when they should apply, how they should apply. It’s not just about recruitment, it’s about really supporting students along the way,” Varela said.   

Varela stressed the importance of having international students on campus.

“One of the reasons we seek to have more international students is they really enrich the experience for our students here. They bring such a broad set of experiences and backgrounds, not just culturally, but in terms of what their educational background is,” Varela said.

Organized by American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Colorado State University’s 40th annual Powwow turned the Lory Student Center Grand Ballroom into a display of ornate attire, pounding drums and singing.

The powwow hosted individuals from a variety of states, such as Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and Arizona, Saturday, Nov. 2. in the Lory Student Center Grand Ballroom.

AISES President Miya Chavez explained a large draw behind hosting events like the powwow: to emphasize that Indigenous culture is still alive.

“Your family has put up so much for you; your ancestors have gone through so much, and so for you to keep going and get an education is huge. That speaks volumes to the resilience of Native people and also just how much strength we have.” -Rasa Humeyumptewa, Native American Cultural Center assistant director

“I mean, there are some people out there that think that we’re not in existence anymore,” Chavez said. “So I think it’s really important to recognize that, hey, this is a group that’s here.”

The fact that the event is held on the university’s campus is significant — an ode to the history Indigenous peoples have with academia and the struggles endured to get to where they are today.

“Your family has put up so much for you; your ancestors have gone through so much, and so for you to keep going and get an education is huge,” said Rasa Humeyumptewa, Native American Cultural Center assistant director. “That speaks volumes to the resilience of Native people and also just how much strength we have.” 

Community also plays a large part in the powwow, as it is an event that welcomes anyone, regardless of their background, religion or culture.

“There’s no sort of expectation of how you’re supposed to come,” Humeyumptewa said. “Community exists within our tribes, but community also expands out beyond that. As Native people, we really sort of welcome everyone.” 

Doreen Martinez, an Apache tribe member and an associate professor within the ethnic and gender studies research department at CSU, touched on the deeper connotation of the event. 

“This is an act in which we’re engaging in connection to our spirituality and in connection literally to the ways in which we seek to be as human beings,” Martinez said.

It’s events such as these that can make one feel at home when in a new place for the first time. Chavez gave her perspective on being from a different part of the country and moving to Fort Collins as a Native American.

“For me, as an out-of-state student coming into such an urbanized area, it’s really nice to see a lot of people that look like me and a lot of people that understand where I come from and who I am as a person,” Chavez said.

Thatcher Boehr, a member of the Lakota tribe, discussed his feelings as an annual spectator of the powwow. 

“It’s just very nice being able to reconnect with the past and kind of just feel connected with everyone else,” Boehr said. “It’s very important to accept who you are, but it’s also important to know who you are.”

The powwow is a space for the community to come together at CSU with a larger purpose. 

“Really, it’s about a larger understanding of what it means to be who you are and how you connect to not just our presence but particularly our Indigenous peoples, our past and also our future,” Martinez said.

Reach McKenna Van Voris at life@collegian.com  or on Twitter @mckenna_vv.

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October marked two months of Mobile Crisis Services’s Lane County six-month pilot. Professionals from Lane County Health and Human Services and the Behavioral Health Division have served the community for two months through the Mobile Crisis Services of Lane County.

The program assists those experiencing a mental health crisis and was started as a way to address the mental health needs of people in Eugene and more rural areas of Lane County. MCS works primarily as a way to de-escalate crises and mitigate police involvement.

Olivia McClelland, behavioral health clinical services manager at BHD, said MCS-LC has received a “significant” increase of calls from areas in Oakridge, Cottage Grove and Junction City.

MCS-LC averages around eight to 10 calls per night, and is seeing a “steady” increase in weekly calls from metropolitan and rural Lane County, according to McClelland. Additionally, MCS-LC professionals have expressed challenges with hiring.

“Our biggest challenge has been staffing in terms of mental health services across the state. We are no different here,” McClelland said.

According to McClelland, the US has been experiencing a mental health crisis and a low number of mental health professionals have been available in the workforce. Some reasons include challenges with appropriate training, inadequate pay and a poor insurance reimbursement model. 

“As with any new service, we are working to ensure sustainable funding to support the longevity of programming, which includes identifying multiple, appropriate funding sources comprised of statewide funding specific to mobile crisis services for communities,” LCHHS Communications Director Jason Davis said.

MCS-LC largely operates out of vehicles that come to those in crisis and currently serve areas as far as Mapleton in West Lane County. Past that point, the Western Lane Fire and Emergency Services undertakes the crisis support duty. 

According to Davis, Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets and MCS-LC share the patients served in the Eugene-Springfield area. Around 30% is attended to by MCS while CAHOOTS manages 70% in the metropolitan area. 

“We have been able to make good connections with a lot of the emergency medical services and law enforcement agencies, especially in areas that haven’t typically been served in our community,” McClelland said. 

Davis said mobile crisis services would ideally be funded at similar levels to critical first responders like Fire and Emergency Medical Services. 

“In the field of mental health, it’s really hard work,” McClelland said. “This is passion work for a lot of people and they still have to pay their bills. There is supposed to be a parity between physical health and mental health provision and that’s not always recognized in the wages people are paid.” 

When prospective new hires are found and onboarded, they must train to integrate into emergency systems around the city, including police and emergency health services. 

“Not having 24/7 coverage has been a challenge,” McClelland said. “We know that the need is out there, and we are going to continue expanding as we continue to hire folks.” 

The six-month pilot informs MCS-LC what the demand in Lane County looks like and how to best match it with the right amount of personnel.

A new PeaceHealth Stabilization Center is expected to open in 2027. Lane County is currently in a 90-day due diligence period before purchasing the land where it will soon be constructed. 

The stabilization center would work in tandem with the MCS-LC and other crisis services to provide a place for those patients to receive appropriate care typically unavailable in an emergency room.

“I think that is an important part of a larger response to mental health crises in our community,” McClelland said. “That is the three-prong model, the crisis line, the mobile crisis and the stabilization center. If they know it exists, they can walk in and it wouldn’t have to rise to a certain level.” 

The Boston University women’s soccer team defeated Army West Point 1-0 on Wednesday to clinch the No. 2 seed in the Patriot League conference. The win led to the Terriers to finish their regular season undefeated in the Patriot League (5-7-6, 5-0-4 PL).