UPDATE: The Colorado Buffaloes faced a devastating defeat against Stanford, falling 77-68 in the Naismith Hall of Fame series on December 2, 2023. Head coach Tad Boyle expressed serious concerns over his team’s mental collapse in the second half, marking a significant shift in their performance this season.
The Buffs started strong, holding a two-point lead at halftime and outperforming Stanford with a 17-13 rebounding edge. However, everything changed after the break as Stanford outscored Colorado 44-33 and dominated the boards 22-11. Colorado also struggled with a staggering total of 18 turnovers, with 11 occurring in the decisive second half.
“It’s the first time all year that we haven’t responded,” Boyle said, emphasizing the need for his team to maintain composure under pressure. “If we play like this, it’s going to be a tough road for us.” This defeat raises critical questions about the Buffaloes’ readiness as they prepare for the rigors of league play.
Highlighting Stanford’s success, freshman star Ebuka Okorie shone brightly, returning from injury to score a remarkable 32 points and secure his first career double-double with 11 rebounds. Okorie’s impressive 18-for-21 performance at the free-throw line underscored his skill and determination, making him a standout player in the match.
“His poise, his ability to get to the free throw line — that’s definitely a skill that’s becoming a growing thing in the NBA,” said CU guard Barrington Hargress, reflecting on Okorie’s impact. This performance not only marked a personal milestone for Okorie but also set a new high for points and rebounds against CU this season.
Despite shooting a solid 47.3% from the field, Colorado’s offensive struggles were evident, evidenced by a season-high in turnovers and a dismal 23.5% 3-point shooting percentage. The Buffs also recorded their first game without a blocked shot this season, showcasing a significant downturn in performance.
Looking ahead, the Buffaloes must regroup quickly as they face increasingly tough competitors in the upcoming schedule. Coach Boyle will need to address the mental aspects of the game to prevent further collapses. The team is under pressure to correct these issues before their next matchup, as the stakes rise with each passing game.
As the Buffaloes ponder their next steps, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring how they respond to this setback. Can they rally back and regain their momentum? The answer will come soon as they prepare to hit the court again.
