The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team opened their Big 12 campaign with a hard-fought victory on the road, defeating Arizona State University 95-89 at Desert Financial Arena on March 2, 2024. This win marks a significant turnaround for the Buffaloes, who ended an 11-game losing streak in away games and secured their first league win of the season.
The Buffaloes quickly established control in the first half, building a lead of 14 points and heading into the halftime break with a score of 48-38. Despite facing pressure from the Sun Devils, who mounted several scoring runs, Colorado maintained their composure. Arizona State made a strong push in the final minutes, scoring ten consecutive points to take an 81-80 lead, marking the first time they were ahead since early in the game.
In the critical moments, the Buffaloes executed their strategy effectively. Freshman Isaiah Johnson stepped up, scoring a pair of crucial free throws with just 1 minute and 50 seconds remaining, which shifted the momentum back in Colorado’s favor. Johnson was instrumental in the victory, leading the team with 19 points.
Alongside him, Sebastian Rancik showcased his skills at the free-throw line, hitting 12 of 14 attempts and contributing 18 points to the scoreboard. Additionally, Bangot Dak recorded his third double-double of the season, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Buffaloes’ ability to withstand pressure and close out the game demonstrates their growth as a team this season. Coach Tad Boyle praised his players for their resilience, noting that the experience gained from previous challenges has better prepared them for high-stakes situations.
As Colorado continues its Big 12 journey, this victory serves as a crucial confidence booster. The Buffaloes will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games, aiming to solidify their position within the conference.
