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2023: The year of Ralphie

TheUpperDecker

Staff Writer
Club Member
Moderator
The Buffs charged from the gate and didn’t look back all weekend. The Buffs showed their true potential on defense early, and that helped set the tone for the whole homestand. Getting back to the basics allowed the Buffs to play to their strengths and cruise to a homestand sweep.

Colorado vs. Oregon (68-41 W)

Desperate for a huge bounce back win, The Buffs needed to trample the Ducks. Missing starting point guard KJ Simpson due to an illness, the Buffs broke it open early, thanks in part to a 22-5 run aided heavily by lockdown defense and stellar rebounding. The Buffs were able to stretch the lead to 18, taking a commanding 37-19 lead into halftime. Oregon was never really able to get its footing, as the Buffs continued pushing the pace in the second half.

Fresh off an embarrassing defensive effort at Cal, the Buffs held Oregon to .269 from the field. Oregon failed to cash in a single three until garbage time, and ended the game 1-of-14 from beyond the arc. The Buffs kept the glass squeaky clean, winning the rebounding battle 46-28. Rebounding is one of Oregon’s strengths and the Buffs beat them at their own game. Oregon was not expecting this young Buffs team to show up with so much energy and intesity. Being a young team, the Buffs have had their highs and lows, but a dominant display of defense seems to indicate things are headed in the right direction.

Nique Clifford had a solid game from the field, putting up 13 points, but his biggest impact was seen on defense. Heading into the game, Oregon gaurd Will Richardson had put up consecutive 20 point performances. Richardson was unable to solve the Buffs, as Clifford helped hold Richardson to five points on 1-of-9 shooting plus four turnovers.

Have a night Tristan Da Silva. As part of a new career high, Da Silva went off for 30 points on 11-for-17 shooting. He provided a big spark for the Buffs, grabbing seven rebounds and three steals to cement his career night. Buffs fans know that Da Silva can ball, but he was in need of a bounce back after a lackluster performance against Cal.

Following a dominant route of Oregon, the Buffs looked to complete the sweep as they turned their attention to Oregon State.

Colorado vs. Oregon St. (62-42 W)

Heading into Saturday’s matchup against the Beavers, the Buffs were searching for consistency. Oregon never stood a chance the way the Buffs played, and the Buffs looked to continue their dominance on the defensive side of the ball against Oregon State. The Buffs needed another defensive gem to show that they are moving in the right direction.

The Buffs came out stomping and took control of the game. The Buffs never trailed at any point in the game. The Buffs jumped out to an early lead after a 10-2 run and never looked back. Partway through the second half, Oregon State was able to provide a little pressure as they pulled within 14 at one point. Hope for the Beavers was quickly extinguished when the Buffs held them to 4 points over the next 6 minutes.

If the Buffs play at this level of intensity, defense and rebounding will win the Buffs many games. The Buffs simplified their game by focusing on the fundamentals, and they are heating up just in time for some big conference games.

Tristan Da Silva continued to shine, following up his career-high 30 point game with a 17 point, five rebound performance. Da Silva had an excellent homestand, bouncing back from a rough week and taking care of business at home.

KJ Simpson returned to his starting position after missing a game due to an illness. Despite shooting 1-for-9 from the field, the Buffs were glad to have KJ Simpson back in the starting lineup. Simpson found other ways to contribute, as he snagged 7 rebounds and had a career-high 6 assists.

Takeaway
The Buffs are undefeated in 2023, let’s keep it that way. They are figuring things out and this weekend was a golden sign. The Buffs have the potential and we have seen it in flashes. Finding consistency is the key for this team, and sweeping the homestand was great start.

Looking Ahead
The Buffs head to the Galen Center to take on the USC Trojans on Thursday at 7:00pm.

After the game Thursday, the Buffs embark on a short trip across the city for an epic showdown with #10 ranked UCLA on Saturday at 3:00pm.

Shout out to Women’s Basketball
Women’s basketball took down #8 ranked Utah in Boulder on Friday, sending Utah to 14-1 on the season. There are now only three undefeated teams in women’s college basketball. The Buffs look to knock off another ranked team in #15 ranked Arizona when they faceoff in Boulder this Friday.
 
Best defensive 2-game performance ever for CU basketball. If they continue to make it that hard for teams to get good shots and then clear the defensive glass, it's going to take one hell of a performance from a team with NBA talent to beat us.
 
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