BOULDER – The Colorado Buffaloes secured an impressive 85-73 victory over the Utah Utes last Wednesday. This win marks their 2-0 start in Big 12 play, a feat they’ve achieved only twice before. The Buffaloes now stand at 11-3 overall.
Bangot Dak had a standout performance, recording 16 points and tying his career-high with 12 rebounds, along with three blocks and a steal. Sebastian Rancik topped the scoring chart with 19 points, while Isaiah Johnson and Alon Michaeli chipped in 12 and 10 points respectively.
Utah’s Don McHenery led his team with 24 points, but the Buffs’ defense, particularly in the second half, held him and Terrance Brown to just 10 points combined. The Buffaloes led by as much as 10 points multiple times but watched Utah narrow the gap to two points late in the game. A strong push from Colorado in the final minutes sealed the win, with a 16-6 run.
The Buffaloes notably relied on zone defense for much of the game, limiting Utah to a 39.4% shooting percentage from the field. Rancik highlighted the benefits of this strategy, stating it helped control the pace and pressure the Utes.
Bench Impact and Depth
Colorado’s bench was a game-changer, outscoring Utah’s reserves 33-8. Coach Tad Boyle praised the depth of his team, emphasizing that the contributions from players like Josiah Sanders, Jalin Holland, and Isaiah Johnson are vital. “The ceiling of this team is still higher than where we’re playing,” Boyle remarked.
A New Era
Amidst the excitement, new Athletic Director Fernando Lovo made his debut, rallying fans with a passionate speech. He encouraged unity and shared a vision for success, promising to bring championships to Colorado.
Game Summary
The Buffaloes took control early, jumping to an 11-1 lead. Despite some back-and-forth scoring, they maintained their advantage with solid performance from the bench. Their defense tightened in the second half, allowing them to secure the win comfortably.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Colorado will host No. 14 Texas Tech on Saturday at 5:00 p.m., continuing their journey in the Big 12.
This game is a testament to the Buffaloes’ talent and depth, with fans eagerly anticipating how far this team can go as they build on their momentum. For a closer look at college basketball statistics and insights, check out the NCAA’s official site here.
