Colorado shows fight, but defense falters in loss to WVU

Colorado forward Alon Michaeli led the team in rebounds for the first time this season with seven. (Photo via CU Athletics/X)

The Colorado Buffaloes (12-6, 2-3 Big 12)  continued their losing ways on Saturday, falling to the West Virginia Mountaineers (12-6, 3-2 Big 12) in a 72-61 contest.

Freshman standout guard Isaiah Johnson made his first career start for coach Tad Boyle. 

West Virginia withstood multiple runs from Colorado, using offensive rebounds to get second-chance points. The Mountaineers took control of the game early, behind efficient interior scoring. Colorado showed resilience after halftime, but the Mountaineers didn't let the game get away.

The Buffs were led in scoring by guard Barrington Hargress with 15 points and Johnson had 12. 

The Mountaineers played behind forward Treysen Eaglestaff with 22 points and guard Honor Huff with 14. 

Both teams started the game sluggishly, with neither scoring until the 18:22 mark.

Eaglestaff struck on the first play with a driving layup and continued to attack in the paint. 

For Colorado, junior forward Bangot Dak provided early protection at the rim. Hargress sparked the offense in the first half with a deep three and strong transition play. The Buffs forced turnovers and scored on a late Johnson drive.

The Mountaineers started the second half attacking inside, after center Harlan Obioha sank two free throws. 

Forward Alon Michaeli drilled a much-needed triple for the Buffs to trim the deficit to four. Colorado took their first lead at 43-42 after a steal and score sequence from Hargress and fellow guard Felix Kossaras.

Johnson knocked down a last-second three, but all of Colorado’s efforts were in vain as the Mountaineers took the win.

Despite Colorado’s offensive flashes, Tad Boyle said the Buffs never established an identity on the defensive end.

"We have to guard better," Boyle said. "Because we hang our hats on defense and rebounding. The problem is there's no hook there. There's no hook to hang it on. West Virginia can hang their hat on their defense, and it showed tonight. We can't. We can't hang our hook on our rebounding; they can hang, that's the bottom line."

Next, the Buffaloes host the Kansas Jayhawks (13-5, 3-2 Big 12) at the CU Events Center on Tuesday at 9 p.m. (ESPN)