CU Buffs Secure Three Additional Points: Rooney’s Recap on January 8, 2024″
The Colorado men’s basketball CU Buffs team has demonstrated its ability to secure victories despite being understaffed. Notably, they achieved this in Brooklyn, defeating the 15th-ranked Miami team last month, and during the opening weekend at home, securing wins against Washington and Washington State.
CU Buffs
As the challenges persist with CU Buffs manpower issues, overcoming the mental hurdle becomes increasingly challenging. The recent lopsided defeat at Arizona appears to be an exception, and Saturday’s loss at ASU illustrates the missed opportunities that may accumulate if the Buffs don’t approach full strength.
The 10 turnovers in the first half, translating into 20 ASU points, proved pivotal. Despite positive aspects such as outrebounding ASU 35-30 (despite surrendering eight offensive rebounds) and holding ASU to a .333 shooting percentage after halftime, the game’s outcome was affected. Reducing the first-half turnovers, particularly those leading to wide-open 3-pointers, could have transformed a 3-point loss into a more comfortable road win.
Players like Cody Williams, Tristan da Silva, and Julian Hammond III have faced setbacks, yet the Buffs remain resilient, especially at home. However, the narrow margin at ASU highlighted the first game of the season where the presence of injured players, in this case, Williams and Hammond, might have made a decisive difference.
In contrast, Coach CU Buffs JR Payne’s women’s team, ranked No. 5 in the Associated Press AP top 25, maintains an impressive 4-0 record in true road games. The veteran rotation’s ability to win on the road, demonstrated by victories at Arizona and Arizona State, positions the women’s team as a strong contender in the Pac-12 race.
The men’s team, currently 0-3 in true road games, faces a tough challenge in the competitive Pac-12. While excelling at home, the ability to secure road victories may set the Buffs apart. Despite setbacks, such as the recent ASU loss, the Buffs’ seasoned squad is well-equipped for the challenges ahead.
On a CU Buffs different note, despite a robust quarterback position last year, the Buffs have managed to add depth with the commitments of transfers Destin Wade and Walter Taylor. Additionally, the addition of DJ McKinney, a former Oklahoma State defensive back, enhances CU’s cornerback depth, providing options for the new defensive coordinator.
