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 and Barrington Hargress matching his Colorado career-high with 23 points. The Buffaloes improved to 14-10 overall and 4-7 in Big 12 play, while Arizona State fell to 12-12 and 3-8 in the conference.
“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.”
Rancik finished with a personal best of 11 rebounds along with his double-digit scoring performance. “About time, huh?” Rancik said regarding his rebounding effort. “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 contributed 16 points for Colorado and Bangot Dak added another 12 points.
Arizona State’s Maurice Odom led all Sun Devils scorers with 23 points.
After controlling much of the first half and building a double-digit lead, Colorado faced pressure from Arizona State after halftime as the Sun Devils went on a significant run to briefly take the lead early in the second half. Hargress responded by scoring ten points during a key stretch that helped restore Colorado’s advantage.
Arizona State cut the deficit to two points late in the game before Colorado closed out with a decisive run fueled by Dak’s six late points.
The Buffaloes shot just over fifty percent from the field (31-for-61), compared to Arizona State’s forty percent (23-for-57). In addition to shooting efficiency, Colorado dominated inside by outscoring ASU by fourteen on rebounds (40 total) and holding a significant edge on points in the paint (42-28).
“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.”
Hargress noted his matchup with Odom: “It felt like we were trading some buckets there,” he 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.”
Colorado will next travel to Lubbock for an away game against No. 13 Texas Tech on Wednesday, February 11 at 6 p.m., broadcast on ESPN+.
