Freshmen provide depth in 83-point effort

Josiah Sanders fights through hard contact at the rim. (Photo by Christian Blanco/Sko Buffs Sports)

Colorado’s veteran closed the game, but the Buffaloes’ freshmen quietly shaped it.

Between guards Josiah Sanders and Ian Inman, alongside forward Alon Michaeli, Colorado received 28 points in just 55 combined minutes, efficient production that helped stabilize stretches when the offense stalled.

Michaeli was particularly sharp, finishing 5-for-8 from the field and knocking down both of his 3-point attempts in 19 minutes. His ability to score without forcing shots kept Colorado’s spacing intact.

Sanders continued to show why the coaching staff trusts him in starting lineups. The freshman guard from Denver scored eight points on 3-for-5 shooting and provided stable ball movement, committing zero turnovers in 21 minutes.

Inman added eight points of his own, including a perfect 3-for-3 from the free throw line, a subtle but important detail in a game that briefly tightened in the second half.

Head coach Tad Boyle has emphasized energy and mentality when discussing his young players. Saturday offered evidence of both. None of the freshmen forced the issue. None of them outplayed themselves.

“The one thing I really respect about Ian is he doesn’t let his playing time, or his lack of playing time, affect his attitude or his effort or his mentality. ” Boyle said. “...That’s hard to do for a freshman.”

For a team navigating the grind of the Big 12, that kind of dependable freshman production may prove critical down the stretch.