Glass is a constant challenge for Colorado basketball
The Struggle for Toughness in Colorado Basketball
After a significant lull in the season, the Colorado men’s basketball team aimed to become tougher. However, the results have been mixed. While the Buffaloes have shown moments of resilience, they still face challenges that need addressing.
One of the most recent examples of their mental toughness came during a thrilling game against No. 14 Texas Tech. Despite being down by 24 points in the second half, the Buffaloes managed to rally and had a chance to win at the buzzer. This kind of comeback highlights a certain level of mental fortitude that the team possesses.
However, physically, the Buffs are often outmatched. In their latest game against the Red Raiders, they fell 73-71 despite a spirited effort. The team's struggles on the glass have been a recurring issue, and this loss is another reminder of the work that needs to be done.
Rebounding Issues Continue to Plague the Team
The statistics from the game against Texas Tech underscored the problem. The Red Raiders outrebounded Colorado by 10, with a total of 46 rebounds compared to the Buffs’ 36. This marked the highest rebounding total against Colorado since USC grabbed 47 in Boulder on January 20, 2022.
In the past five games, Colorado has been outrebounded three times, and all three losses occurred during those games. The issue extends beyond just defensive rebounds. Texas Tech finished with 16 offensive rebounds, the most by a CU opponent this season. In the last three games, the Buffs have allowed at least 12 offensive rebounds, and in nine of the last 13 games, they’ve given up at least 10.
A Coach’s Perspective on Toughness
Head coach Tad Boyle has been vocal about the team’s need to improve in this area. After the game, he expressed frustration over the team’s lack of toughness, particularly on the glass. “We’re not tough enough on the glass,” he said. “I challenge them. And we work on it. And we’re going to continue to work on it.”
Boyle also pointed out that the team’s Achilles’ heel this season is their inability to finish possessions. This was something he mentioned after the team’s win against Utah. He emphasized that the focus isn’t just on winning or losing but on improving as a team.
A Test of Mental Fortitude
Despite these challenges, the Buffs’ mental toughness remains a strength. Their ability to mount a comeback against Texas Tech shows that they can compete with any team in the Big 12. The upcoming road trip to Cincinnati will serve as another test of their resolve.
This will be the first two-game swing within league play since Colorado re-joined the Big 12. If the Buffs had completed their comeback, it would have set a program record for the largest comeback win in team history. The previous record was a 23-point rally at Kansas State on February 26, 1955. However, that comeback saw the Buffs trailing by 23 points with 8 minutes left in the first half.
The Buffs’ largest second-half comeback victory was an 18-point rally against Oklahoma State on February 10, 1999. Technically, they surpassed that mark by trimming Texas Tech’s 24-point lead to just two points before ultimately falling to their first conference loss of the season.
Looking Ahead
While the team continues to work on improving their physical toughness, especially on the glass, their mental resilience remains a key asset. As point guard Barrington Hargress noted, the team has the potential to be a strong competitor in the Big 12.
“The one thing that we did show, and we’ll look at the film, is that the team that we can be when we play 40 minutes of good Colorado basketball,” Hargress said. “It will speak very loudly, and we’ll be a very good team and we’ll be able to play with the best teams in this league.”
