Colorado’s Clutch Performance Secures Big 12 Win

In a game that saw both teams struggle with fouls and free throws, the Colorado Buffaloes managed to pull off a crucial victory against Arizona State. The Buffs ended an 11-game losing streak in true road games by defeating the Sun Devils 95-89. This win marked a significant milestone for the team as they began their Big 12 Conference play on a positive note.

Strong Rebounding Effort

One of the key factors in the Buffs’ success was their rebounding performance. After being outrebounded in their previous two losses, Colorado managed to grab 42 rebounds compared to Arizona State’s 32. Bangot Dak led the way with 10 rebounds and 12 points, earning his third double-double of the season. Sebastian Rancik also contributed significantly, grabbing a critical offensive rebound that allowed him to extend the lead at the free throw line.

Felix Kossaras added five rebounds, matching his career-high. Coach Tad Boyle acknowledged the importance of rebounding in the game, noting that both teams struggled with box-outs. He emphasized the need for improvement in this area while highlighting the toughness displayed by players like Isaiah Johnson and Rancik during crucial moments.

Depth and Contributions from Multiple Players

The Buffs’ depth was evident throughout the game, with four players scoring in double figures. Isaiah Johnson led the charge with 19 points, but the team’s success wasn’t solely dependent on its top scorers. First-year guards Jalin Holland and Josiah Sanders made valuable contributions, with Holland adding seven points and three rebounds, and Sanders recording a season-high five assists.

Freshman forward Alon Michaeli, despite struggling from the field, showed resilience by going 6-for-6 from the free throw line and grabbing four rebounds. Coach Boyle praised Felix Kossaras for his solid performance and acknowledged the challenges faced by freshmen, noting that it’s part of the learning process.

Free Throw Success

The Buffs had a standout performance at the free throw line, making 32 of 38 attempts. This marked the most free throws made by Colorado in a true road game in exactly 49 years, since a loss at UNLV on Jan. 3, 1977. It was also the highest number of free throws made by the team, road or home, since hitting 34 at home against Omaha on Nov. 22, 2015.

Notable Highlights

• This win was only the third in 17 seasons for Colorado in a Big 12 opener.
• Despite missing his final three shots, point guard Barrington Hargress finished 8-for-12, maintaining a .621 shooting percentage over the past five games.
• For only the second time this season, the Buffs had more turnovers (15) than assists (14).
• Colorado scored 95 points, marking their highest total in a conference road game since a 98-point performance against Washington on Jan. 24, 2024.
• The team recorded nine steals, which was the second-highest total of the season.
• Former ASU standout and current Oklahoma City Thunder player Lu Dort attended the game.