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Colorado struggled against Oklahoma State
The Colorado Buffaloes were unable to turn course in their afternoon run-in with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Buffs fell, 83-73, and fell to 0-6 in their return to the Big 12.
It was a familiar outcome for the Buffs, and a familiar process too.
The game started ugly as Colorado struggled with turnovers, foul trouble and missed shots. After ten minutes, the scoresheet read 5 turnovers, 7 personal fouls and 10 points for Tad Boyle’s bunch. The only saving grace was that Oklahoma State was no better, as the 13th placed Cowboys relied heavily on those CU fouls to score from the free throw line.
The difference, however, was that Oklahoma State figured out the Colorado defense. Rather, the Buffs couldn’t stop a simple dribble-drive without committing a foul. Even if the whistle was a bit tight, there’s only two or three quality defenders on this team, and only Bangot Dak qualifies as an average or better athlete. Boyle tried a zone just to give his guys a chance, but even that yielded three-pointers and offensive rebounds.
Colorado rallied from down 43-33 at the half. They got a few stops, pushed the ball in transition and attacked the basket. Javon Ruffin then hit a three to narrow the deficit to 45-42. But that was as close as the Buffs got before the defense fell apart again.
Maybe the Buffs could be competitive if they got outscore their opponents, or at least keep pace, but that’s not happening either this year. This team can’t shoot (5/22 from three tonight), they don’t take care of the ball (16 turnovers per game) and they can’t even rebound (+13 for the Cowboys).
Some of this is a chemistry issue, as no one has played together before now. Some of this is a Tad Boyle issue, as he’s never been a great in-game coach. But man, there’s no one on this team who can create an advantage, cause a mismatch or hit a tough shot. This isn’t meant to criticise the players on the team; this is just what happens when your entire rotation leaves and all the new guys are playing a role one or two levels above what they’re suited for.
The season isn’t over, even if it feels like that when the Buffs are losing by 18 points to another basement dweller. Boyle is testing out the young guys, giving more and more minutes to Sebastian Rancik and Felix Kossaras, not to mention RJ Smith and Bangot Dak, the two bright spots on this team. He’s going to see what he has and what he needs, and maybe Coach Prime can trickle down some NIL money.
by Sam Metivier
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