Colorado Needs to Find Its First-Half Spark - Or Risk Another Missed Opportunity
If the Buffaloes want to flip the script on their recent conference struggles, it starts with one simple truth: they can’t keep spotting teams double-digit leads and expect to dig their way out.
In back-to-back conference matchups, Colorado has found itself buried early - trailing by as many as 24 and 21 points - only to rally late and fall just short. That kind of second-half resilience is commendable, but it's not a sustainable formula for winning basketball, especially on the road in a place like Morgantown.
This Saturday, the Buffs head into one of the Big 12’s toughest environments to face West Virginia. The Mountaineers may not be a powerhouse this season, but they’re scrappy, they defend, and they’ll make you earn every inch. Here are three keys if Colorado wants to leave Morgantown with a much-needed conference road win.
1. Start Fast - Or Get Left Behind Again
Colorado’s slow starts have become a troubling trend. Falling behind early against Big 12 opponents is a recipe for disaster, and against a West Virginia team that hangs its hat on defense, digging out of a hole will be even tougher.
The Mountaineers are allowing just 63.2 points per game - second-best in the conference, trailing only Houston. That’s not a defense that gives up easy buckets or lets teams get comfortable. If the Buffs come out flat again, they may not get the chance to mount another second-half rally.
Turnovers have also been a major issue. Against Cincinnati, Colorado coughed it up 17 times, and those mistakes were costly. West Virginia will bring ball pressure and physicality, so the Buffs need to be sharper with their possessions from the opening tip.
2. Keep Honor Huff in Check
West Virginia’s offensive engine is Honor Huff, and he’s been a consistent threat all season long. He leads the Mountaineers in scoring at 17.2 points per game and has hit double figures in 14 of 17 contests.
Huff is going to get his shots - that much is certain - but Colorado has to make him work for every look. His efficiency can dip when forced into tough decisions, like in the Mountaineers’ recent loss to Houston where he shot just 4-of-11 from the field and 2-of-9 from three.
Colorado’s perimeter defenders will need to stay disciplined, fight through screens, and contest without fouling. Huff is the type of guard who can swing a game if he gets hot early, and the Buffs can’t afford to let that happen.
3. The Starting Five Needs to Step Up
Isaiah Johnson has been the offensive heartbeat for Colorado, leading the team with 16.1 points per game - and he’s doing it off the bench. While that kind of spark from the second unit is a luxury, it also underscores the inconsistency from the starting group.
Sebastian Rancik, for example, managed just five points in 24 minutes against Cincinnati. Elijah Malone struggled even more, scoring only two points on 1-of-5 shooting in 17 minutes. If Colorado is going to compete on the road, those numbers have to improve.
The Buffs can’t lean solely on Johnson to carry the scoring load. They need more balanced production, especially early in games when momentum is up for grabs. Getting Rancik and Malone involved early could help set the tone and keep the offense from stalling out.
Bottom Line: Colorado has the talent to compete in the Big 12, but they’re making life harder than it needs to be. If they want to break the cycle of slow starts and near-misses, it starts with urgency - from the opening tip, not just after halftime.
Saturday in Morgantown is a chance to prove they can put together a complete game. But against a physical, defensive-minded West Virginia team, they’ll need to bring their best from the jump.