Colorado Buffaloes Rally to Defeat UTSA with 88-64 Victory

The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team rebounded from their first defeat of the season with a commanding performance against the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), winning 88-64 on December 2, 2023. After a lackluster first half, the Buffaloes dominated the second half, showcasing their offensive and defensive prowess at the CU Events Center.

Despite leading by a narrow margin of 35-32 at halftime, Colorado (9-1) ignited their offense immediately after the break. They launched a game-altering 17-2 run, which included the first nine points of the half. The Buffaloes shot an impressive 62.2% from the field in the second half, a stark contrast to the 46.4% field goal percentage allowed in the first half.

The standout player for Colorado was point guard Barrington Hargress, who scored a season-high 23 points on a remarkable 9-for-12 shooting performance, including five three-pointers. His offensive contributions were crucial in establishing a commanding lead.

Joining Hargress in the scoring efforts was Sebastian Rancik, who tallied 15 points, with 12 coming in the second half. Rancik also led the team in rebounds, securing seven. Additionally, Bangot Dak added 10 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two blocked shots, further solidifying Colorado’s dominance in the paint.

The Buffaloes’ rebounding advantage was evident as they outperformed UTSA 48-32 on the boards. This control of rebounds allowed Colorado to dictate the pace of the game and limit the Roadrunners’ second-chance opportunities.

UTSA (4-6) struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in the second half, where they managed only 33.3% shooting from the field, hitting 12 of 36 attempts. The Roadrunners were led by Keaton Simpson, who scored 20 points and provided five assists, but his efforts were not enough to challenge the Buffaloes effectively.

As the game concluded, Colorado not only secured a decisive victory but also regained momentum heading into their upcoming matches. With this win, the Buffaloes demonstrate their resilience and ability to adapt after setbacks, a key trait for a successful season.

The victory serves as a reminder of Colorado’s potential and sets the stage for their future games, where they will aim to build on this performance and continue their winning ways.

This story will be updated as the season progresses.