BOULDER — Colorado finished up their non-conference schedule with a 99-54 victory over Iona, improving its season mark to 11-2 before heading into Pac-12 play.
The Buffs’ played one of their most dominant games of the season, almost doubling Iona’s output while shooting lights-out from the floor.
Here’s what went down Sunday afternoon:
Colorado saw seven players hit double-digits in the scoring column
The Buffs’ depth was on full display Sunday, as the entire roster was getting action and contributing to the blowout victory.
D’Shawn Schwartz, McKinley Wright, Evan Battey, Lucas Siewert, Tyler Bey, Daylen Kountz, and Maddox Daniels all broke the 10-point threshold, with Wright and Battey notching double-doubles as well. These strong performances also helped Colorado’s incredible numbers from the floor, shooting 56.7% including a remarkable 60.7% from deep.
It was also refreshing to see the team feel confident in each stroke, as with the game in hand from the start, we saw a lineup that was comfortable playing its own style of basketball.
This final non-conference game served as a chance to improve Colorado’s chemistry, as Iona is a 2-5 team from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and never served as a true competitor. Instead, this game served as a change for the Buffs to stretch their legs, play fun ball, and work out any final kinks in the basics before heading into a tough, but important, stretch.
McKinley Wright continues to build on strong games
After an impressive 29-point showing against Dayton, it seemed as though Wright was ready to peak right around conference play, and their final 2019 matchup did not change this narrative.
Wright was a strong 5-7 from the field, including 3-4 from deep, for 13 points and 10 assists. After having to take over the game to beat the Flyers, Wright was able to slow down more in this matchup, distributing the ball well and taking what the defense was giving.
These two games show the strongest attribute of Wright as a ball-handler: the ability to let the game dictate his style.
His versatility drives his impact, as he has the ability to take over a game by breaking down a defense with his shot-creating or by surgically picking apart a defense with the pass.
With his playmaking come turnovers, and he is averaging almost three a game. If he can limit the empty possessions while continuing his scoring and passing, Wright is trending up as Colorado heads into its most difficult home matchup of the season.
Looking ahead
Colorado will now open up Pac-12 play on Thursday against the Oregon Ducks. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
Oregon presents a rare chance for the Buffs to get ahead in the conference, as they rarely begin conference play home. Although students are home for winter break, fans should flock to the CU Events Center for a chance to see this pivotal matchup.
