Rancik records first career double-double as Buffs beat Sun Devils

Rancik's career night came with his family in attendance, as they have spent the week visiting from their home country of Slovakia. (Photo by Fidel Gonzalez/Sko Buffs Sports)

The Colorado Buffaloes (14-10, 4-7 Big 12) defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils (12-12, 3-8) 78-70 on Saturday. Physicality and senior leadership were CU’s keys to outlasting the fiery Sun Devils.

Early on, efficient shooting was the name of the game. Both teams exchanged 3-pointers on three-straight possessions before a Massamba Diop and-one for ASU tied the game at eight.

In a game featuring two teams allowing an average of 78.4 (Colorado) and 79.3 (Arizona State) points per game, respectively, this type of offense was to be expected.

However, ASU, which is known to be streaky in its scoring, quickly fell on hard times offensively. The Sun Devils didn’t score for three minutes as the Buffaloes jumped out to a 15-8 lead.

Colorado struggled to corral defensive rebounds, though, and the Sun Devils used those struggles as a momentary foot in the door. ASU hit two-straight threes to cut the lead to one possession at 17-14.

Before CU could lose control of the situation, freshman guard Josiah Sanders stepped up with the physicality the Buffs had been lacking. He secured three tough offensive boards down the stretch of the first. Additionally, he went airborne to intercept a Sun Devils’ down-court pass.

“Josiah inspires me,” Colorado head coach Tad Boyle said postgame. “...Whether it’s an interception, whether it’s an offensive rebound, he brings energy and toughness to this team, and that’s what we need.”

A pair of monster jams from Colorado forward Bangot Dak and a pair of threes from fellow forward Sebastian Rancik extended CU’s lead to 39-27 with 1:57 until halftime.

While the Sun Devils stole a possession and cut the lead to 39-31 at the half, momentum appeared to be on the side of Colorado.

However, that wasn’t the case. The second half started with free throws from Sun Devils guard Maurice Odum to enforce a flagrant one penalty against him that went uncalled at the end of the first half. 

Following the extra possession, ASU caught fire offensively. 

CU guard Jalin Holland blocked a shot that careened into the hands of Sun Devils forward Andrija Grbovic. He capitalized on the chance with a three-pointer. Then, an and-one layup from forward Allen Mukeba and a step-back two from Odum gave Arizona State a 42-41 lead.

“[Odum] desperately wants to win,” Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley said postgame. “I think when he had a shot at the end of the half, that willed him on even further to want to do more in that second half and try to bring the team back.”

While Odum was fueling the Sun Devils’ offense, Colorado guard Barrington Hargress stepped up to do the same. The pair exchanged shots, and the lead, back and forth for nearly four minutes before the Buffs pulled back in front comfortably.

“It felt like we were trading some buckets there,” Hargress said postgame. “He’s a really good point guard, so it was a good duel. It’s good going against creative guards and guys that push you.”

Hargress finished the night with 23 points, but passed the baton to Rancik to salt away the contest. He recorded his first career double-double, finishing the night with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Despite Odum’s continued scoring efforts and physical play from Diop that included a vicious one-handed poster off an inbound pass, the Sun Devils were unable to claw back.

The Buffs aim to use this win as a boost into next week, when they face two ranked opponents. Up first, the No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders (16-6, 6-3), whom they will battle in Lubbock, Texas, on Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. MT (ESPN+).