Colorado finds late offensive rhythm to rally past San Diego, 83-75
After struggling to find offensive consistency for much of Tuesday night, the Colorado Buffaloes (2-1, 0-0 Big 12) defeated the San Diego Toreros (2-1, 0-0 WCC) 83-75, in their second home game at the CU Events Center.
The Buffaloes overcame a three-point halftime deficit behind improved ball movement, a career-high 26 points from sophomore Ian Inman and timely contributions from guards Barrington Hargress and Josiah Sanders.
Colorado improved to 2-1, bouncing back from Saturday’s 77-66 loss to the San Diego State Aztecs. After recording just eight assists in that matchup, the Buffaloes finished with 23 assists on 26 baskets against San Diego, a significant improvement in their offensive execution.
“We had to get better as an offensive unit after San Diego State, and we did that,” head coach Tad Boyle said. “Two days of practice, we worked on cutting, we worked on moving, and these guys responded.”
San Diego controlled much of the opening half, using aggressive defensive pressure and double teams to disrupt Colorado’s offense. The Toreros attacked the paint and moved the ball effectively, building an early 9-4 lead and extending their advantage to as many as eight points.
Colorado struggled to convert scoring opportunities and committed eight first-half turnovers. However, Inman provided an offensive spark with three 3-pointers in a span of less than two minutes, helping the Buffs stay within reach.
Despite the late push, Colorado entered halftime trailing 37-34.
The Buffaloes came out of the break with increased offensive movement, as Inman connected on back-to-back 3-pointers early in the second half. A block by center Noah Feddersen created a transition opportunity for Inman, whose shot tied the game at 40 with approximately 16 minutes remaining.
Inman’s sixth 3-pointer gave Colorado its first lead of the night, 45-44, with 15 minutes left.
However, San Diego continued to answer Colorado’s scoring runs, maintaining its aggressive defensive approach and attacking the basket. The Toreros regained a 59-56 lead as the Buffs struggled through another offensive stretch.
Colorado responded with a transition alley-oop from guard Alex Dickeson to Feddersen, cutting the deficit to one. The play provided a boost as the Buffaloes slowly gained consistency down the stretch.
Hargress helped the momentum shift in Colorado’s favor, drawing a foul on a 3-point attempt and nailing two free throws before finishing a fast-break layup on the following possession. The sequence gave the Buffs a 70-67 lead with three minutes remaining.
With San Diego right behind them, Sanders and Inman connected from downtown in the closing minutes. Inman’s eighth 3-pointer extended CU’s lead to 78-72, helping them secure the victory.
Inman finished 8-for-13 from the three, tying for the second-most 3-pointers made in a single game in program history. He became the first Colorado player to reach eight since Kenny Price versus Texas in 1998.
“Man, it feels good, it's amazing what you can do as a group when you come together, and you collectively work together hard in practice,” Inman said.
Hargress added 16 points and eight assists, while Sanders put up 15 points. Although the Buffaloes finished with 15 turnovers, their improved ball movement helped generate scoring opportunities throughout the second half.
“When we locked in down the stretch, it allowed us to separate and get those kills,” Hargress said. “It allowed us to really get the lead and ultimately close out the game.”
The Buffs outscored San Diego 49-38 in the second half, showing the offensive balance Boyle had emphasized early in the season.
Colorado will travel to the Amica Mutual Pavilion to meet the Providence Friars on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 4 p.m. MT (Peacock).
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