The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team finally got rid of the money off their back. Colorado snapped a three-game losing streak, defeating the Oregon State Beavers 86-63.
Colorado, which previously made a season-high of 11 three-pointers, eclipsed that in the first-half alone. The Buffs went 11-for-15 (73.3%) in the first half and took a 49-27 lead into the break.
Colorado went on to make 14 three’s which is now their season-high.
The Buffs shot 32-of-56 (57.1%) from the field led by sophomore guard Keeshawn Barthelemy, who scored a team-high 16 points. Four other Buffs were in double-figures, including Jabari Walker and Nique Clifford with 15 apiece, and Tristan da Silva with 10.
Walker collected another double-double in the win, hauling down 10 rebounds with his 15 points.
KJ Simpson played efficient basketball off the bench for Colorado, scoring nine points on 3-of-5 shooting, including four rebounds and four assists. Not to mention, zero turnovers.
Turnovers were a big thing to keep an eye on in this game for a Buffs team that has struggling to take care the ball of late. They turned the ball over just 13 times with a few of those coming in garbage time.
The Beavers had three players score in double-figures, led by Glenn Taylor Jr. who scored a team-high 15, Maurice Calloo with 14 and Jarod Lucas with 13.
Oregon State’s bench, which logged 34 minutes between four players, mustered just five points.
Colorado dominated the glass, which was another statistic to keep an eye on for this team.
40-23 was the total on the glass in favor of Colorado as the team never trailed throughout the entire game.
Tad Boyle returned after a one-game absence after missing the Oregon game due to COVID-19.
The Buffaloes (14-9, 6-7 in Pac-12 play) return to action on Feb. 12 at home against the Utah Utes. The Buffs look to get back to .500 in conference play, hosting a Utes team that is just 2-11 in conference.