Well, that didn’t take long.
Just when the Buffs had a chance to start running away atop the Pac-12 Conference, they fell in Tuscon to the Arizona Wildcats, 75-54. Although both teams started off slow, the Buffaloes failed to gain any momentum throughout the game as Arizona matched them blow-for-blow.
Every time Colorado had a chance to begin a run by splashing in a huge basket, Arizona would come back with two of their own to ensure the lead stayed in double-digits for almost the entire second half.
Here’s what went down early Saturday afternoon:
Colorado was bullied on both ends of the floor
There was not one Wildcat alone who destroyed the Buffs’ but rather a collective team effort from UA that included out-rebounding Colorado by 11, four of which came on the offensive glass.
The Buffaloes’ inability to get the ball inside is what primarily drove their offensive ineptitude, as Evan Battey and Tyler Bey had no luck on the inside and combined for just six shot attempts. They also collectively grabbed just six rebounds, which is below both of their individual per game averages this season.
The combination of Bey and Battey has been deadly all season, so it is not time to panic. Tad Boyle’s teams have never traveled well to Arizona, as the Buffs’ last win in Tuscon came in 1965. The team was off from the start, and it showed. The Buffs need to re-group as they travel home next week and get back to seeing some consistent play from their bigs.
The Buffs left their offense in Tempe
Despite not facing a zone scheme, Colorado could not get any consistent play on offense. It was a combination of bad looks and failed attempts from a variety of sources, as CU found itself either shooting low-percentage looks or not shooting at all.
Although they had fewer turnovers than Arizona, the Buffs offense was not able to shoot the ball enough early to keep the game within striking distance. Shooting just 37% from the floor on 10 fewer attempts, Colorado could not find ways to get inside the defense.
Evan Battey and Shane Gatling did not see anything drop for them all day, going a combined 0-7 from the floor with Gatling missing all four of his attempts from deep.
The lone offensive bright spot came from McKinley Wright, as he was able to bounce-back for 15 points that included three makes from beyond the arc. D’Shawn Schwartz was also able to get back on track from deep, ending his three-game slide with his two 3-point makes.
Looking ahead
Colorado will return home to play against the Washington schools this weekend, starting with a game against Washington State. While the Cougars’ record of 11-7 does little to inspire, they do have a strong victory over Oregon that displays their capabilities.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. MST at the CU Events Center or televised on Pac-12 Network.
