Whether it was the refs, or being on the road, the University of Colorado men’s basketball team did not live up to everyone’s expectations as they lost 76-69 to the Wyoming Cowboys on Saturday night. Wyoming had its largest crowd in eight seasons; with some help of some CU fans that made the trip over, it was a packed house in the Cowboys’ arena.
This was the first loss for the No.19 Buffs, who are now 6-1 consequentially. CU was one of three unbeaten teams in the Pac-12 before this loss. The Cowboys now have an overall record of 8-0.
Andre Roberson drives the lane late in the second half of the Buff’s Nov. 9 home-opener win. On Saturday the Buffs fell to Wyoming in Laramie 76-69. (Andrew Kaczmarek/CU Independent File)
The Buffs were never out of it, staying competitive and keeping the score close throughout the game. The Buffs did have a two point lead in the first half that included seven ties and eight lead changes. The first half ended with CU only scoring 28 points, their lowest of the season.
Fouls played a big factor into the loss as the Buffs were in foul trouble early on. Andre Roberson, Xavier Johnson and Josh Scott were put on the bench after each picking up two fouls. Roberson was still able to put in seven first half points even though he played only nine minutes. Three big players, Andre Roberson, Josh Scott, and Sabatino Chen all fouled out near the end of the second half. CU received 27 fouls to the Cowboys 13, a gap that can affect such a close game.
The Buffs allowed the Cowboys to dominate in the paint and committed 17 turnovers, with only 11 assists.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the Buffs with 24 points and Andre Roberson added 16 points and 12 rebounds – his 28th career double-double. CU’s other pair of top scorers – guard Askia Booker and post Josh Scott – accounted for 11 points between them.
The second half remained close, with the Buffs even leading a couple times. However, when Scott was called for his third foul quickly in the second half and sat for four minutes, the Buffs had some quick problems. The Cowboys would go up six.
CU continued to fight, but Wyoming would get another three to take an eight point lead, making the score 58-50, and putting the proverbial nail in the coffin for the Buffs.
The Buffs will play CSU next at home on Wednesday, December 5.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Jillian Arja at Jillian.Arja@colorado.edu.
1 comment
Kept it close the whole game? Losing to Wyoming by 12 points during the 2nd half is not close! Buffs got hustled and outplayed…period.