Colorado secured a 78-70 victory over Arizona State at the CU Events Center on Saturday, led by Sebastian Rancik’s first career double-double. The Buffaloes improved their record to 14-10 overall and 4-7 in the Big 12, while Arizona State fell to 12-12 and 3-8 in conference play.
“That was a hard-fought win,” said Colorado head coach Tad Boyle. “Wasn’t easy. I knew it wouldn’t be. We’ve been competing now against Arizona State for 15 years, 13 in the Pac-12. Now, our second year back in the Big 12 with them. It’s not easy in this league. I have a lot of respect for (coach Bobby Hurley). His players compete and always have. With that being said, it’s a win we should be proud of, because it didn’t come easy.”
Barrington Hargress matched his career-high at Colorado with 23 points and contributed four assists. Rancik pulled down a personal-best 11 rebounds.
“About time, huh?” Rancik said on his rebounding performance. “Coach [Boyle] emphasizes rebounding, and even in the NBA, they look at your ability to rebound in college. It’s important to put that into my game because, like I showed today, I’m more than capable. I have to stay consistent with it.”
Isaiah Johnson added 16 points for Colorado and Bangot Dak scored 12 points.
Maurice Odom led Arizona State with 23 points.
The Buffaloes started strong but faced pressure as Arizona State used a significant run early in the second half to take a brief lead. Hargress responded by scoring ten points during a key stretch that helped Colorado regain control.
Arizona State narrowed the margin late but Colorado finished with a decisive run fueled by Dak’s six points down the stretch.
Colorado shot just over fifty percent from the field while holding Arizona State to forty percent shooting. The Buffaloes dominated inside with a forty-two to twenty-eight advantage on points in the paint and out-rebounded their opponent by fourteen boards.
“I thought the difference was rebounding,” Boyle commented. “We were plus (14) on the glass. We held them to 40 percent for the game, which is amazing to me.”
The teams traded baskets throughout much of the second half before Colorado built an eight-point lead midway through behind contributions from Holland and Rancik in transition play.
Hargress noted about facing Odom: “It felt like we were trading some buckets there,” Hargress said. “He’s a really good point guard, so it was a good duel. It’s good going against creative guards and guys that push you.”
Johnson’s late layup extended Colorado’s lead as they closed out Arizona State for their fourth conference win of the season.
Next up for Colorado is an away game against No.13 Texas Tech on Wednesday, February 11th at 6 p.m., available on ESPN+.
