Weekend Recap
The Buffs stole a tight game late at Arizona State but failed to take advantage of their one shot at Arizona in conference play.
Buffs surge late in Tempe
The Buffs have struggled to close out games but showed promise when closing against the Sun Devils. Finishing the game on a dominant 17-3 run, the Buffs were able to pick up only their second road win of the season. This young team recovered from a late six-point deficit, ultimately ending on a 9-0 run to cement an eight-point victory. The late stampede was charged with strong performances by Tristan da Silva and Javon Ruffin, as they combined to score the final 20 points of the game. With the goal of dominating next season, this game is an excellent sign of things to come. Time and time again, turnovers and poor offensive execution have ruined the Buffs' chances at closing games. A victory on the road, where they overcame a late deficit, shows growth and development. Development of the young players, paired with the prospect of adding a potential number 1 overall pick in Cody Williams, sets the stage for the emergence of a dominant Colorado team next year.
Key Takeaways
When the Buffs are on, they are characterized as a high-energy team that can lock down any opponent. This was seen on display in the second half as the Buffs clamped ASU from three and out-hustled them on defense. They controlled the battle on the glass, outrebounding ASU 42-34. Additionally, they capitalized on their limited opportunities at the line as they shot 10-for-11 from the charity stripe. The story this season has been about the Buffs' stellar defense, and this remained true as they held ASU to 4-for-23 from three down the stretch. ASU started hot from three, hitting four of six shots, but the Buffs played the long game and it worked down the stretch.
Buffaloes of the Game
Tristan da Silva- 23 PTS | 7-for-14 Shooting | 3-for-7 3PT | 2 Steals
Javon Ruffin- 10 PTS | 3-for-5 Shooting | 2-for-4 3PT | 7 Rebounds
Luke O’Brien- 9 PTS | 3-for-8 Shooting | 10 Rebounds | 3 Offensive Rebounds
Learning Experience in Tucson
The story was almost the opposite when the Buffs traveled to Tucson, as they jumped out to an early lead and then proceeded to give up all their momentum. The game looked good at the start when they stormed from the gate to take an 18-6 lead. Things were looking good but the Buffs quickly turned around and allowed a 12-0 run, the Wildcats never looked back from this point. An offensive flurry, combined with four quick Arizona turnovers, helped the Buffs pull away. They rode the hot start, but when the bench came in things went rapidly downhill. CU got outscored 40-16 during the rest of the first half and never recovered. The Buffs lost this one by a score of 78-68.
Key Takeaways
Taking a home game from #8 Arizona was always going to be a challenge, the Buffs had a chance to break it open early. The Buffs didn’t capitalize on this opportunity as their offense faltered again and their bench killed any momentum. While winning this game was ambitious, it should leave a sour taste in the mouth of the Buffs as they had a chance if they just played consistently.
Buffaloes of the Game
Tristan da Silva- 18 PTS | 7-for-13 Shooting | 5 Rebounds
Javon Ruffin- 13 PTS | 5-for-10 Shooting | 3-for-7 3PT | 4 Rebounds
Luke O’Brien- 9 PTS | 9 Rebounds | 1 Block | 1 Steal
Looking Ahead
The Buffs get to close out their season at the Events Center, as they finish up with three challenging opponents at home.
VS. USC - Thursday 2/23 - 7:00 PM MT on ESPN 2
VS. UCLA - Sunday 2/26 - 2:00 PM MT on CBS
VS. Utah - Saturday 3/4 - 3:30 PM MT on The Pac-12 Network
The Buffs stole a tight game late at Arizona State but failed to take advantage of their one shot at Arizona in conference play.
Buffs surge late in Tempe
The Buffs have struggled to close out games but showed promise when closing against the Sun Devils. Finishing the game on a dominant 17-3 run, the Buffs were able to pick up only their second road win of the season. This young team recovered from a late six-point deficit, ultimately ending on a 9-0 run to cement an eight-point victory. The late stampede was charged with strong performances by Tristan da Silva and Javon Ruffin, as they combined to score the final 20 points of the game. With the goal of dominating next season, this game is an excellent sign of things to come. Time and time again, turnovers and poor offensive execution have ruined the Buffs' chances at closing games. A victory on the road, where they overcame a late deficit, shows growth and development. Development of the young players, paired with the prospect of adding a potential number 1 overall pick in Cody Williams, sets the stage for the emergence of a dominant Colorado team next year.
Key Takeaways
When the Buffs are on, they are characterized as a high-energy team that can lock down any opponent. This was seen on display in the second half as the Buffs clamped ASU from three and out-hustled them on defense. They controlled the battle on the glass, outrebounding ASU 42-34. Additionally, they capitalized on their limited opportunities at the line as they shot 10-for-11 from the charity stripe. The story this season has been about the Buffs' stellar defense, and this remained true as they held ASU to 4-for-23 from three down the stretch. ASU started hot from three, hitting four of six shots, but the Buffs played the long game and it worked down the stretch.
Buffaloes of the Game
Tristan da Silva- 23 PTS | 7-for-14 Shooting | 3-for-7 3PT | 2 Steals
Javon Ruffin- 10 PTS | 3-for-5 Shooting | 2-for-4 3PT | 7 Rebounds
Luke O’Brien- 9 PTS | 3-for-8 Shooting | 10 Rebounds | 3 Offensive Rebounds
Learning Experience in Tucson
The story was almost the opposite when the Buffs traveled to Tucson, as they jumped out to an early lead and then proceeded to give up all their momentum. The game looked good at the start when they stormed from the gate to take an 18-6 lead. Things were looking good but the Buffs quickly turned around and allowed a 12-0 run, the Wildcats never looked back from this point. An offensive flurry, combined with four quick Arizona turnovers, helped the Buffs pull away. They rode the hot start, but when the bench came in things went rapidly downhill. CU got outscored 40-16 during the rest of the first half and never recovered. The Buffs lost this one by a score of 78-68.
Key Takeaways
Taking a home game from #8 Arizona was always going to be a challenge, the Buffs had a chance to break it open early. The Buffs didn’t capitalize on this opportunity as their offense faltered again and their bench killed any momentum. While winning this game was ambitious, it should leave a sour taste in the mouth of the Buffs as they had a chance if they just played consistently.
Buffaloes of the Game
Tristan da Silva- 18 PTS | 7-for-13 Shooting | 5 Rebounds
Javon Ruffin- 13 PTS | 5-for-10 Shooting | 3-for-7 3PT | 4 Rebounds
Luke O’Brien- 9 PTS | 9 Rebounds | 1 Block | 1 Steal
Looking Ahead
The Buffs get to close out their season at the Events Center, as they finish up with three challenging opponents at home.
VS. USC - Thursday 2/23 - 7:00 PM MT on ESPN 2
VS. UCLA - Sunday 2/26 - 2:00 PM MT on CBS
VS. Utah - Saturday 3/4 - 3:30 PM MT on The Pac-12 Network