Buffs Snap Skid, But the Real Test Comes Wednesday at Baylor
After six straight losses and a growing sense of urgency, Colorado finally found its footing with a much-needed win over TCU. It wasn’t just a victory-it was a statement. One that came just in time, too, as head coach Tad Boyle had labeled this stretch as the most pivotal week of the season.
The Buffs looked like a different team on Sunday. They defended with purpose, rebounded with intensity, and played with the kind of energy that’s been missing during their recent slide. Now, with a bit of momentum in their back pocket, they head to Waco for their first road trip to Baylor since rejoining the Big 12.
Boyle’s hope? That the TCU win serves as a spark.
“I’m hoping it gives them confidence and life and understanding of how good we can be if we play together, if we play with energy and toughness,” he said. “All the things I’ve talked about at times this year that we haven’t done.”
The Buffs certainly did it against TCU, dominating in all the areas that had plagued them during the losing streak. But now comes the challenge of doing it again-on the road, in a tough environment, against a Baylor team that, while struggling, still has talent and plenty to prove.
A Cluttered Middle in the Big 12
At 3-6 in conference play, Colorado finds itself in a four-way tie for ninth in the Big 12 standings. That matters because only the top eight teams earn a first-round bye in the conference tournament.
With Baylor (2-7) and Arizona State (also with two Big 12 wins) on deck this week, the Buffs are staring at a golden opportunity to climb the ladder before they face a brutal road stretch next week at No. 13 Texas Tech and No.
16 BYU.
This week is about stacking wins. And Baylor, despite its record, is no pushover.
Baylor’s Bumpy Ride
The Bears have had their own rollercoaster of a season. Once pegged as a potential sleeper in the Big 12, they’ve stumbled to a 12-9 overall record and are still looking for their first conference win at home (0-4).
That said, three of those home losses came against elite competition-Houston, Iowa State, and Texas Tech. Still, losing twice to the same TCU squad that Colorado just dismantled raises eyebrows.
Baylor’s biggest midseason splash came with the addition of 7-footer James Nnaji, a former second-round NBA pick. But so far, his impact has been minimal-just 10.1 minutes per game, and modest production off the bench.
What’s more concerning for the Bears is their offensive efficiency. In Big 12 play, they rank dead last in scoring (68.6 points per game) and field goal percentage (.421), and sit 11th in three-point shooting (.365). For a Colorado team trying to reestablish its defensive identity, this is a matchup that could play right into their hands-if they bring the same intensity they showed against TCU.
Spotlight on Carr and Yessoufou
Still, Colorado can’t afford to overlook Baylor’s backcourt firepower. The Bears are led by a dynamic duo of 6-foot-5 guards-Cameron Carr and Tounde Yessoufou.
Carr, averaging 19.4 points per game, was just named to the midseason watch list for the Jerry West Award, given to the nation’s top shooting guard. Yessoufou, a true freshman, is right behind him at 17.3 points per game and continues to grow into his role.
Containing those two will be priority No. 1 for the Buffs’ defense. If they can keep Carr and Yessoufou in check, they’ll have a real shot at grabbing a second straight win-and potentially vaulting themselves back into the Big 12’s top half.
CU’s Core Starting to Click
Colorado’s resurgence starts with the backcourt. Freshman Isaiah Johnson continues to impress, averaging 16.5 points per game while shooting over 50% from the field and 42.5% from deep. Redshirt junior Barrington Hargress is right there with him, shooting a blistering 53.5% from the floor and an eye-popping 51.6% from three.
Up front, sophomore forward Sebastian Rancik has been steady, and at 6-foot-11, he gives the Buffs a versatile option who can stretch the floor. He had a solid performance the last time CU faced Baylor, knocking down two threes and grabbing six boards in a win in Boulder.
Junior big man Bangot Dak continues to be a force on the glass, pulling down seven rebounds per game to go with 11 points. And freshman forward Alon Michaeli has carved out a meaningful role, chipping in 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest.
As a group, the Buffs have done a better job taking care of the basketball lately. They’ve kept their turnovers in single digits in four of the last five games-a key stat for a team that needs to maximize every possession, especially on the road.
Road Woes & Redemption
If there’s one glaring issue still hanging over this team, it’s their road form. In their last three games away from Boulder, the Buffs have shot just 30% from beyond the arc (21-for-70). That has to change if they want to steal one in Waco.
But the win over TCU could be the turning point. It wasn’t just a win-it was a reminder of what this team is capable of when it locks in defensively and plays with purpose.
Forward Sebastian Rancik put it plainly: “It’s the Big 12. There’s no easy match.
Every team is really good and has a lot of talented players. But it starts at practice.
We’ve got to come out and concentrate to what the coaches are telling us, then go to Baylor and execute the game plan and just play winning basketball like we did [against TCU].”
Tip-Off Details
Colorado at Baylor
📍 Foster Pavilion, Waco, Texas
🕕 Wednesday, 6 p.m. MT
📺 Peacock
📻 KOA 850 AM / 94.1 FM
Records:
- Colorado: 13-9 (3-6 Big 12)
- Baylor: 12-9 (2-7 Big 12)
Coaches:
- Colorado: Tad Boyle (16th season)
- Baylor: Scott Drew (23rd season)
What’s Next: After Baylor, the Buffs return home to host Arizona State on Saturday night (7:30 p.m., ESPN2), another critical matchup in a week that could reshape the course of their season.
Bottom line: Colorado passed the first test. Now comes the next challenge-and it’s a big one.