The Buffaloes are growing up before our eyes

BOULDER — Colorado’s game against Oregon on Thursday played out much differently than the matchup in Boulder in early February.

The Buffs rallied from an early 18-11 deficit to take a lead by halftime. The first time around, the Buffs fell flat and gave Oregon a chance to take control.

“The way we finished the half was crucial,” Boyle said Thursday night. “Because we didn’t do that in Boulder, and they ended up with a one-point lead and took the momentum in the second half. We finished the half tonight, like K.J. said, and it really good job.”

The improvement was another sign of growth from a young Buffaloes squad that is finally finding its groove. In the past nine games, Colorado has pulled off eight wins. One of those was against #2 Arizona, the Buffs’ opponent Friday night in the Pac-12 semifinals. That’s impressive for a team that included seven freshmen and sophomores in its eight-man rotation down the stretch.

A CU team from earlier in the season likely wouldn’t have gotten out of their first game of the tournament. The Buffs struggled shooting the ball and found the paint clogged up early in the first half. It would’ve been easy to fold.

“I’m so proud of our guys because we really struggled offensively out of the chute,” Boyle said. “In the past, that’s kind of gotten into our bloodstream and it’s affected us on the other end of court.”

The key to Colorado’s growth has been the young guys’ focus on the fundamentals. The Buffs are locking in on defense and crashing the boards, but the biggest improvement has been in their ability to protect the ball.

“We work on passing drills in practice sometimes,” Boyle said. “Coach (Rick) Ray is a really good basketball coach, Coach (Bill) Grier is a really good basketball coach, so is Coach (Mike) Rohn, and sometimes they come up with drills that these guys think might be a little silly and elementary, but they have really worked, they’ve helped us become better passers.”

In particular, the guards have grown up. Freshman Julian Hammond is now a solid starter in the Pac-12. Keeshawn Barthelemy has found a groove as a scorer off the bench. So has K.J. Simpson, who put up 13 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists on Thursday.

“Keeshawn has been really good with his assist-to-turnover ratio all year,” Boyle said. “With Julian and K.J., the young guards have gotten better.”

In the tournament the margins for error are slimmer. Every game is a do-or-die scenario and turnover flare-ups can destroy a team’s chances to win.

“These guys are learning,” Boyle said. “We’re playing for a championship in this tournament. We figured out a way to get to the semis, and now we’ve got to figure out how to beat Arizona.”

Taking down Arizona a for a second time this season won’t be easy.

“They will be ready to play the Buffs,” Boyle said. “They will be emotionally ready, mentally ready. I know (coach) Tommy Lloyd, he’s a competitive dude. They’ve got competitive players. But we’re going to be ready, too. It’s what makes this time of year so fun.”

Hopefully Colorado can have some fun Friday night.