The Field House. College Sports coverage from The Denver Post’s Kyle Fredrickson.
The Colorado Buffaloes defeated Utah 67-55 on Friday night at the Coors Events Center. Denver Post college sports beat reporter Kyle Fredrickson provides five quick observations from the victory.
Slow start. The FS1 crew mic’d up a portion of CU coach Tad Boyle’s pregame speech to the Buffs: “I want you to play free on offense, confidently on offense, and make plays for each other.” But points were tough to come by through the first half for either team. CU led just 27-20 at the break, holding Utah to its lowest first-half total of the year. The Buffs didn’t fare much better shooting 43 percent from the field.
The Wright stuff. On the final possession before halftime, CU point guard McKinley Wright picked up his dribble near the elbow, pivoted in a full circle, and leaned back for a fade-away jumper over the outstretched arms of 6-foot-10 Utah forward Tyler Rawson with time running out. Swish.
This halftime buzzer beater from point guard McKinley Wright was one of several big-time plays to beat Utah tonight: 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting.
— Kyle Fredrickson (@kylefredrickson)
The buzzer beater was one of several dynamic plays from the true freshman on the night: 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting with four assists and one turnover.
Second-half spark. CU shot out of a cannon after halftime, spurred on by sophomore forward Lucas Siewert coming off the bench and hitting consecutive 3-pointers that put the Buffs up 13 points at the 13:42 mark. That advantage reached 21 when senior forward George King notched two of his 12 points to go along with 10 rebounds. The Utes never caught fire and finished the night 20-of-57 from the field.
Utes playing as bad as they have all season
— Lynn Worthy (@LWorthySports)
Sweet victory. Before Friday, the last time CU defeated Utah in men’s hoops was Feb. 1, 2013, with the Utes taking the next seven meetings. Redemption was Ralphie’s this go-round, though, and it arrived at the perfect time. The Buffs had lost their previous three games and had to overcome the loss of junior guard Namon Wright who missed the game due to illness. Itap been a rollercoaster season for Boyle’s crew, but there are signs of a bright future.
Fashion statements. Utah might have lost the game, but Utes head coach Larry Krystowiak won the suit matchup. His trademark crimson jacket was in stark contrast to Boyle’s traditional look. A bold choice.
But not quite so bold as some others in attendance…
Welcome to Jurassic Boulder
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX)
🎵 IT'S PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME 🎵
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX)
