Buffs Bounce Back: Colorado Outlasts Arizona State in Much-Needed Home Win
It might not have been a “must-win” in the traditional postseason sense, but make no mistake - Colorado needed this one. After a tough stretch in Big 12 play and with a brutal road trip looming, the Buffaloes couldn’t afford another stumble at home. They responded with grit, energy, and just enough execution to get past Arizona State, 78-70, in a back-and-forth battle at the CU Events Center.
This win doesn’t just stop the bleeding - it gives Colorado a much-needed jolt of momentum heading into a week where they’ll face two ranked opponents on the road. It also pushes the Buffs to 4-7 in Big 12 play, officially surpassing last season’s conference win total. In a league as deep and unforgiving as the Big 12, that’s no small feat.
Let’s break down how they got it done.
Big Moments, Bigger Responses
Colorado came out with purpose, using a 9-2 run midway through the first half to build a 10-point cushion. At one point, they stretched the lead to 39-27, showing flashes of the kind of offensive rhythm that’s been elusive at times this season.
But Arizona State didn’t go quietly. The Sun Devils closed the first half on a 4-0 burst, trimming the deficit to 39-31 at the break. Then, they came out of the locker room swinging, scoring 11 of the first 13 points in the second half to snatch their first lead since the opening minutes.
That’s when Colorado showed some real resolve.
Down by a bucket, the Buffs answered with a 7-0 run to reclaim the lead - and this time, they didn’t give it back. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was effective. Colorado made timely plays on both ends, controlled the glass, and found just enough offense to keep Arizona State at bay.
Hargress Steers the Ship
Point guard Barrington Hargress was the engine for Colorado all night. He was aggressive, efficient, and poised - a combination that’s tough to beat. Hargress went 10-for-15 from the field and matched his season high with 23 points, slicing through the defense and hitting big shots when it mattered most.
This wasn’t just a scoring night, either. Hargress added four assists and set the tone for a Colorado offense that needed a steady hand. In a game filled with momentum swings, his composure helped keep the Buffs grounded.
Rancik’s Redemption
Sebastian Rancik had a rough outing in the loss at Baylor, finishing with zero rebounds - a stat that stuck out like a sore thumb. But he flipped the script in a big way against Arizona State, notching his first career double-double with 17 points and a career-high 11 boards.
Rancik was active on both ends, crashing the glass and stretching the floor with his shooting. He knocked down three of his five attempts from beyond the arc, giving Colorado a much-needed perimeter presence. This was the kind of bounce-back performance that shows growth - not just in stat lines, but in mentality.
Winning the Battle on the Boards
One of the quiet keys to this win? Rebounding. Colorado outworked Arizona State on the glass, 40-26 - a +14 margin that speaks volumes about the Buffs’ effort and physicality.
Rancik led the way with 11 rebounds, but it was a team effort. The Buffs limited second-chance opportunities for the Sun Devils and created extra possessions for themselves. In a close game, that kind of edge on the boards can make all the difference.
What’s Next
Colorado improves to 14-10 overall and 4-7 in the Big 12, but things don’t get any easier from here. The Buffs are heading into a tough two-game road swing, starting Wednesday night at No.
13 Texas Tech. It’s the kind of stretch that can define a season - and after Saturday’s win, Colorado heads into it with a little more confidence and a lot more urgency.
The Buffs may not be in the thick of the NCAA Tournament conversation just yet, but they’re still swinging. And if they can build on this win, they might just make things interesting down the stretch.