Buffs Keep Momentum Rolling with Win Over Oklahoma State
The Colorado Buffaloes showcased their shooting prowess and defensive grit to secure a vital 83-69 victory against Oklahoma State, marking their third consecutive home win in the Big 12 Conference. While the Buffs weren't flawless, they demonstrated resilience and potential as they continue to grow.
Key Performers:
- Barrington Hargress: Orchestrated the offense with precision, hitting 3-of-6 from beyond the arc and contributing 16 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and three steals. His leadership was crucial in maintaining the Buffs' rhythm.
- Bangot Dak: Led the team with 17 points, going 5-for-8 from the field and an impressive 6-for-7 from the free-throw line. Dak also grabbed seven rebounds, providing a strong presence on both ends.
- Sebastian Rancik: Though not his best shooting night, Rancik dominated the boards with 10 rebounds, marking his third double-digit rebounding game in the last four outings.
Game Breakdown:
Colorado matched their season-high with 11 three-pointers, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities with 10 offensive rebounds. However, the Buffs faced challenges, including being outrebounded 39-36 and committing 12 turnovers, two of which led directly to Oklahoma State fast breaks.
Despite these hiccups, Colorado's defense shone, particularly in the second half. The Buffs held Oklahoma State to a .303 shooting percentage after halftime and limited the Cowboys to just 5-of-23 from three-point range. Anthony Roy, OSU's leading scorer, was effectively neutralized, scoring only six points and missing all seven of his three-point attempts.
“We really took pride in getting Anthony Roy off the 3-point line,” said Hargress. “Making it a tough, physical game was key.”
The Buffs built a significant 17-point lead with a 20-2 run in the first half, only to see it shrink to an eight-point margin at halftime. Oklahoma State briefly grabbed the lead early in the second half, but Colorado responded with an eight-point burst, featuring pivotal plays from Ian Inman and Isaiah Johnson.
As the game progressed, the Buffs pulled away with a decisive 15-4 run, highlighted by Dak's five straight points and a smooth Hargress-to-Alon Michaeli layup.
Looking Ahead:
Next, the Buffs will host Kansas State in a crucial late-season matchup. With their recent performances, the Buffs are showing signs of a team finding its stride, ready to challenge any opponent that comes their way.