Iowa State's men's basketball team secured its position as one of the top contenders in the Big 12 Conference with a hard-fought 79-69 victory over Colorado on Monday night. This marked the conference opener for both teams and showcased the Cyclones' resilience against the Buffaloes, who were seeking redemption after suffering a much heavier defeat just weeks prior at the Maui Invitational.
The game, held at the CU Events Center in Boulder, Colorado, drew attention as the 3rd-ranked Cyclones walked onto the court with the intention of maintaining their excellent season record of 11-1. Colorado, on the other hand, aimed to improve their standing following their impressive 9-2 start. Despite being newcomers to the Big 12, the Buffaloes put up a commendable fight against Iowa State, which was evident as the game unfolded.
The Buffaloes initially seemed poised to challenge Iowa State; they even held the lead at 57-56 just over nine minutes remaining. Throughout the match, Colorado demonstrated shooting skill, hitting 49.1 percent of their shots and making 31.8 percent of three-point attempts. Julian Hammond III was particularly impressive with his performance, scoring 21 points on 9-of-17 shooting, showcasing the depth of talent Colorado has on their roster.
Although Colorado's offense showed promise, it was their inability to minimize turnovers — committing 19 compared to Iowa State's nine — which played a pivotal role in their defeat. RJ Smith, one of the guards for Colorado, acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "Take care of the ball, for sure. And be more physical and rebound." His candid reflection underscored the challenges the team faces as they navigate through Big 12 competition.
Iowa State's success can be attributed to multiple key players who stepped up during crunch time. Curtis Jones led the Cyclones with 20 points, effectively converting key free throws as the game drew to a close. Meanwhile, Keshon Gilbert and Joshua Jefferson contributed important points and defensive plays, securing the victory for their team.
The turning point of the match occurred late when Iowa State unleashed an 8-0 run, sealing the game after previously trailing. This offensive output came at a time when the Buffaloes were within reach, allowing the Cyclones to stretch their lead to 12 points by the end of the match. Tamin Lipsey and Brandton Chatfield added necessary points to maintain distance from Colorado — underlining the Cyclones' multiple options on offense.
After the game, Tad Boyle, Colorado's head coach, expressed disappointment but highlighted the potential for growth. He remarked, "It’s disappointing, but one I think we can build on," emphasizing the learning opportunities presented by the match against such high-caliber opponents. The Buffaloes must now focus on areas of improvement before their next game against Arizona State.
Despite the loss, some silver linings emerged from the Buffaloes' effort. Their strong shooting percentages were matched by solid teamwork, reflected by 18 assists recorded during the game. This marked the sixth consecutive game with at least 18 assists, indicating promise for Colorado's collaborative offense.
Both teams face future matchups as they strive to establish themselves within the competitive climate of the Big 12 Conference. The Cyclones will look to continue their winning streak, eyeing their next opponent with uncertainty. Conversely, the Buffaloes will need to reassess their strategy, especially concerning ball security, before they face pivotal games to cement their place within the league.
With their next game scheduled against Arizona State, the Buffaloes are determined to learn from their mistakes and apply their newfound knowledge on the court. They understand the stakes of competing at this level and are ready to adapt to the challenges thrown their way as the season progresses.