A Hard-Fought Victory in Tempe
The Colorado Buffaloes managed to pull off a tough 95-89 win against the Arizona State Sun Devils in a game that was filled with back-and-forth action. While it wasn’t a perfect performance, the Buffs showed resilience and determination throughout the contest.
Strong Start from Colorado
Colorado started the game with a strong offensive presence, showcasing excellent team basketball. The players moved the ball well, patiently navigating through the ASU defense, looking for open opportunities to attack the basket or take three-pointers. Their teamwork was evident as they created scoring chances despite the defensive pressure.
Barrington Hargress stood out during the first half, delivering an impressive performance. The junior guard was dominant, easily getting into the paint for layups and short jumpers. He added a three-pointer and a fast break layup, finishing the first half with 17 points on 8/9 shooting. His performance was a key factor in the Buffs’ early success.
Defensive Strategy and Challenges
Meanwhile, the Sun Devils struggled to find their rhythm against Colorado’s zone press. Instead of focusing on forcing turnovers, the Buffs aimed to slow down the ASU offense and force them into making difficult decisions and passes. This strategy worked well, with Massamba Diop being the only Sun Devil who seemed comfortable on the court.
However, Colorado also had some lapses in their play. They gifted four points due to a flagrant foul by Josiah Sanders and a taunt from Barrington Hargress. Additionally, the Buffs made some bad turnovers and had poor transition defense, allowing easy baskets for ASU. Despite these mistakes, the Buffs always managed to respond when ASU gained momentum.
Momentum Shifts and Second Half Adjustments
As the game progressed, Colorado found themselves giving up the lead they had built. The errors continued, with sloppy passes, mental mistakes, and defensive lapses leading to more points for ASU. Players like Moe Odum, Anthony Johnson, and Allen Mukeba took advantage of these opportunities, creating highlights such as a memorable dunk.
Despite the challenges, Colorado managed to clean up their play and remain in an offensive funk. They appeared hesitant to attack the basket, likely due to the presence of 7’1 center Massamba Diop, who had already recorded seven blocked shots. The outside shooting wasn’t effective either, as the Buffs weren’t taking many mid-range jumpers.
The turning point came when Colorado found themselves in the bonus after six minutes. This allowed them to capitalize on free throws, scoring 47 points in the second half—25 from the free throw line, 18 inside the paint, and just four points from mid-range jumpers by Sebastian Rancik and Jalin Holland.
Clutch Performances Seal the Win
With the game on the line, cool heads prevailed. Sebastian Rancik led the charge, carrying the offense for large stretches and scoring 13 points in the second half. As the game neared its end, freshman Isaiah Johnson took over, scoring 9 points in the final three minutes to secure the lead and close out the game.
Looking Ahead
While there are areas for improvement, especially on the defensive end, the Buffs managed to pull off a victory on the road in the Big 12. It’s not an easy feat, even with Tad Boyle having a strong record against Bobby Hurley. Colorado is now 11-3 on the season, 1-1 in conference play, and will host Utah and #15 Texas Tech on January 7th and 10th. These games offer plenty of opportunities for the Buffs to build on what should be an NIT resume.
