Two takeaways from Colorado’s 65-58 road victory over Utah

If you missed Monday’s game and want to re-watch it, just skip ahead until the second half. That way you can save yourself from watching Utah’s 17-2 run to close the half.

However, Tad Boyle and his team came out of the locker room firing. They opened the second half on a 15-0 run of their own, and never gave up the lead again.

While Utah is not as strong an opponent as others within the conference, this was a key road victory for the Buffaloes. 

Here are two key takeaways from the 65-58 win.

Double double-doubles

McKinley Wright IV tied Jay Humphries’ assist record tonight, but that was about the only major contribution he had. Wright finished the game with just nine points, one rebound, and four assists. 

Without their leader scoring double-digits, the Buffs desperately needed their depth to step up.

Enter: D’Shawn Schwartz and Jabari Walker.

Schwartz started the game slowly and missed a few easy looks inside. However, he remained aggressive, hitting 6-15 from the floor for 15 points while grabbing 15 rebounds.

On the other hand, Walker did not need any warm-up time. He provided an instant impact, and finished the night with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

It is sure to be the first of many double-doubles for Walker in a Buffs uniform.

Second-half adjustments save the day

Tad Boyle did not start with a good gameplan, but he certainly adjusted.

Heading into the locker room, the Buffs had allowed 26 points in the paint. They would give up just 12 more in the rest of the game.

It’s no secret that Colorado’s paint defense has been atrocious since Dallas Walton left the rotation due to injury. In particular, the Buffs have been hit hardest on the road.

Tonight, it looked to be more of the same. Timmy Allen found whatever he wanted at the rim, moving inside and losing defenders due to a lack of communication. But coming out in the second half, the Buffs played with a much higher defensive intensity.

The energy on the post is what fueled this comeback.

Yes, Colorado hitting 16 more free throws than Utah certainly helps. But the Buffs came out with a bully’s mentality and took back all momentum. 

While the Buffs grappled with another slow start on Monday, they were able to rally and pick up a key road victory.

Now, Colorado will get a chance to defend the home court.

What’s next?

Colorado will return to Boulder for just their fourth and fifth home games, first taking on Cal without their star, Matt Bradley.

Tip-off is scheduled for Thursday at noon MST on Pac-12 Network.