Three takeaways from the Buffs' 74-65 win over Oregon

BOULDER — What. A. Game.

In a stunning performance, the Colorado Buffaloes took down the No. 4 Oregon Ducks in Boulder, making a national statement.

Oregon has not won in Boulder since CU entered the Pac-12, and as desperately as they tried, the Ducks will have to wait another year to re-write that narrative. Colorado played an incredible game on defense, holding the fifth-best 3-point shooting team in the country to just three makes on 17% shooting.

It will be tough to say who will benefit more from the victory: Colorado players or fans. Students have been desperately hoping the Buffs’ could turn their basketball program into a strong contender, and this victory should pave the way for a growing interest and attendance rate for basketball games.

Here’s what went down in Boulder Thursday night:

McKinley Wright began conference play with pure dominance

The hope entering Thursday was that Wright could continue his three-game pace, as he was averaging 17-5-5 in the Prarie View, Dayton, and Iona stretch. So what did he do? Nothing huge, except drop a team-high 21 points to pair with five boards and eight assists.

Oh, and he led the Buffs to their biggest win in recent history.

Wright led this team in every facet of the game, as he shot a strong 55% from the floor while also covering one of the most dangerous players in the country in Payton Pritchard. While Pritchard had 21 points as well, he is one of the most dynamic guards in college basketball. The matchup was competitive, but Wright came away with the victory.

Wright plays his best when the minutes matter the most, and his 11 points in the final five minutes of the game prove it. Not only did he score clutch baskets, but he was able to get his teammates involved. His threat to drive into the hoop opened up Schwartz for open threes, while his quickness allowed Tyler Bey to get back to form with a 15-point, 14-rebound outing.

The defense made their mark, gave fans their money’s worth

Oregon is explosive, there is no argument against it. They have a star-studded roster and play well together, but Colorado was not looking to get into a track meet. Instead, they forced the Ducks to play their style of basketball, which involved a physical game on the block while closing out fast on shooters.

Not only did they pass the eye test, but the Buffs forced 13 turnovers while leading in rebounds. They also only committed 13 fouls as a team, keeping the flow of the game in their favor.

Colorado consistently forced the Ducks to run the shot clock down as they scrambled to put together their offensive sets, forcing tough shots early in the game. Ultimately this pressure resulted in their low output as they could not put together a run until deep into the second half.

Thursday was just the first game in conference play, and the college basketball season will see plenty more twists and turns before we hit March. However, this victory should not be overlooked, as Colorado earned the statement win and can carry this momentum into the future .

Colorado adds another big win, boosts NCAA tournament resume

With wins over ranked Dayton and Oregon now, the Buffs’ are showing off their potential on a national stage. In both games, they displayed the depth and diversity of play that makes this team so dangerous. They can win from the outside or beat opponents down in the post, and since he has so many tools at his disposal, head coach Tad Boyle has to feel good about this team moving forward.

Now at 12-2, the Buffs sit atop the Pac-12 in the early part of conference play. Not only that, but they have two very strong wins compared with two solid losses. While Kansas still sits in the top-5, Northern Iowa is quietly having an incredible season, as they sit at 11-2 entering their conference play.

When measuring the strength of a basketball team, particularly on Selection Sunday, you need to look at their good wins and bad losses. When you beat the teams you should and steal wins against higher-ranked opponents, all while the combined record of your losses is 21-4, Colorado fans have to feel good about where this team sits in early January.

Looking ahead

The test for Colorado continues as they host a 10-3 Oregon State team Sunday afternoon. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. on ESPNU at the CU Events Center.

The Keg was back in full action against the Ducks, as the sellout crowd was able to storm the court in one of their most packed houses in recent years. Fans should flock back on Saturday night for a chance to see this team keep pounding.