Colorado Rises to Victory in 2025 Acrisure Holiday Classic
In a thrilling matchup at the Acrisure Arena, the Colorado Buffaloes triumphed over the Washington Huskies with an 81-68 win, marking their first holiday tournament title since 2019. Junior Bangot Dak was the standout player, achieving his first double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds and earning the tournament’s MVP honors.
Colorado, now undefeated at 7-0, showcased a well-rounded team effort. Five players scored in double digits, with Isaiah Johnson and Alon Michaeli contributing 13 and 12 points, respectively. Felix Kossaras and Sebastian Rancik each added 11 points to the mix. Coach Tad Boyle emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “When our team puts the Colorado name ahead of the name on the back of their jersey, really good things can happen.”
The game had its ups and downs. Colorado started strong, launching to a 22-9 lead. They shot a remarkable 55% in the first half while limiting Washington to just 28%. But the second half told a different story. Washington rallied back, driven by Quimari Peterson, who scored 18 points, and Franck Kepnang, who excelled on the boards.
Washington sparked a 22-5 run early in the second half, leveling the score at 52-52. Instead of succumbing under pressure, Colorado regrouped. Kossaras hit a crucial 3-pointer, reestablishing the lead and sending a message that they weren’t done yet.
The Buffaloes maintained momentum, responding to every push from Washington. As the clock wound down, they relied on solid free-throw shooting, hitting 7 of 8 to secure their victory. Boyle noted this experience as a valuable lesson, reminding the team that “it’s a 40-minute game.”
Looking ahead, the Buffaloes have set a strong foundation. Statistics show that teams with balanced scoring often perform better in tournaments. In fact, a 2022 study found that teams with at least three players averaging double digits tend to advance further in postseason play. This could bode well for Colorado as they progress in the season.
Overall, the win is more than just a trophy—it’s a testament to a team learning to navigate challenges together. The Buffaloes have a promising future, and fans are eager to see how far this competitive spirit can take them.
