Buffaloes' Grift: Foul Bait to Victory Over Arizona State

A Hard-Fought Victory for the Colorado Buffaloes

The Colorado Buffaloes faced a challenging game against the Arizona State Sun Devils in Tempe, ultimately securing a 95-89 win. While the outcome was positive, the game was far from smooth sailing. Both teams displayed moments of brilliance and areas needing improvement.

Strong Start and Stellar Performance

Colorado started the game with a strong offensive display, showcasing excellent team basketball. The Buffs were patient with their ball movement, effectively navigating through the ASU defense to find open lanes to the basket or opportunities to shoot. This strategy allowed them to maintain control early on.

Among the standout performers was Barrington Hargress, who dominated the first half. The junior guard was in exceptional form, scoring 17 points on 8-of-9 shooting. His ability to get into the paint for layups, hit three-pointers, and capitalize on fast breaks highlighted his impact on the game.

Defensive Adjustments and Challenges

Meanwhile, the Sun Devils struggled to find their rhythm against Colorado’s zone press. The Buffs focused more on slowing down the ASU offense rather than forcing turnovers, which proved effective. However, there were moments where Colorado's defense let up, allowing some easy baskets.

Notable instances included a flagrant foul by Josiah Sanders and a taunt by Hargress that led to four gifted points. Additionally, poor turnovers and weak transition defense allowed ASU to gain momentum at times. Despite these challenges, the Buffs consistently responded, with Hargress, Isaiah Johnson, and Felix Kossaras playing key roles in maintaining their lead.

Struggles in the Second Half

As the game progressed, Colorado found themselves giving away the lead they had built. Sloppy passes, mental errors, and defensive lapses allowed ASU to regain control. Players like Moe Odum, Anthony Johnson, and Allen Mukeba exploited these weaknesses, leading to a series of successful plays for the Sun Devils.

Despite these setbacks, the Buffs managed to regroup. They began to focus on driving to the basket, capitalizing on the free throw line, and making crucial plays. In the second half, Colorado scored 47 points, with 25 coming from the free throw line and 18 from inside the paint. Only four points came from mid-range jumpers, indicating a shift in offensive strategy.

Clutch Performances and Final Moments

In the closing moments, the Buffs relied on cool heads to secure the win. Sebastian Rancik carried the offense for much of the second half, scoring 13 points before freshman Isaiah Johnson took over. Johnson's clutch performance, including nine points in the final three minutes, was instrumental in sealing the victory.

Looking Ahead

While there are areas for improvement, particularly on the defensive end, the Buffs' win on the road in the Big 12 is a significant achievement. With a record of 11-3 on the season and 1-1 in conference play, Colorado has the opportunity to build on this success. Their upcoming games against Utah and #15 Texas Tech on January 7th and 10th will be crucial in determining their path to an NIT resume.