The No. 19 Kansas Jayhawks defeated the Colorado Buffaloes Tuesday night at the CU Events Center, 75-69, in a tightly contested game that saw a season-high crowd of 8,356 in attendance. The loss brings Colorado’s overall record to 12-7 and their Big 12 record to 2-4, while Kansas improves to 14-5 overall and 4-2 in conference play.
A Night of Close Competition
The game remained competitive throughout, with both teams shooting over 40% from the field in the first half, each connecting on six three-pointers. Colorado freshman Isaiah Johnson led all scorers with 19 points, continuing a standout season that has seen him lead the Buffs in scoring nine times. He is now the 13th CU rookie to reach 300 career points, currently totaling 304.
Barrington Hargress added 17 points for Colorado, while Alon Michaeli contributed 13. Despite a strong offensive showing, Colorado was out-rebounded by Kansas 45-33. However, the Buffs did manage to win the turnover battle, forcing 12 Kansas mishaps while committing only three themselves.
Key Moments and Challenges
Head coach Tad Boyle acknowledged Kansas’s superior performance, stating, “Kansas was better tonight. Obviously, they out-rebounded us.” Boyle also highlighted a crucial moment late in the game, a contested steal by Kansas that shifted momentum. He noted, “That was the deciding factor of the game…we never quite recovered from that.”
Kansas played the game without head coach Bill Self, who remained in Lawrence due to health reasons. Despite his absence, the Jayhawks were led by Melvin Council Jr., who scored 18 points, and shot 46.2% from the field.
Looking Ahead
Colorado will conclude their two-game homestand on Saturday, January 24, with a matchup against UCF. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. MT on ESPN+. The Buffs could look to improve their rebounding performance and capitalize on their ability to limit turnovers in order to secure a win against the Knights. A strong start and consistent offensive execution will likely be key to their success. It is possible that the team will focus on exploiting mismatches, as Coach Boyle suggested, to generate more scoring opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colorado’s current record?
Colorado’s current record is 12-7 overall and 2-4 in Big 12 play.
Who led Colorado in scoring against Kansas?
Isaiah Johnson led Colorado in scoring with 19 points.
What did Coach Boyle say about the game?
Coach Boyle stated that Kansas was better and that they were out-rebounded, but he also praised his team’s fight and determination.
What role does student support play in the team’s performance?
