The Colorado Buffaloes pulled the win out over Air Force 76-73 in overtime. I really don't know how they won this game. On a brighter note, Nate Tomlinson played his best game in a while and Carlon Brown played like he always does adding 16 points. Andre Roberson is just an athletic freak. He had 11 points and 13 rebounds and some clutch blocks. The Buffaloes made this game way harder than they had to, but the Buffaloes won and now have a winning record on the year.
Things the Buffaloes did well: The Buffaloes trailed by as many as 9 in the first half and just played awful throughout the whole half. However, Nate Tomlinson had an exceptional start with 16 points and was 6-8 overall. Additionally, he was 3-5 from the three point line and just kept them in the game. This team showed a lot of resiliency in this game that last year's Buffaloes squad did not necessarily show at certain times. Everyone contributed and this was a huge team win. Askia Booker added 11 points and really contributed off the bench. It seemed like no matter what happened to the Buffaloes, they just kept fighting throughout the game. Overall, no matter who the opponent is, it is always hard to win a game in overtime on the road.
Things the Buffaloes struggled with: The Buffaloes played an absolutely terrible first half. They had 10 turnovers and committed 12 fouls. They also won the rebounding margin 23-7 in the first half, but they were unable to get more than a one point lead at halftime. Throughout the game, the Buffaloes could not contain Michael Lyons, the 6'6" guard from Air Force. He put up 31 points and scored at will. More importantly, there were multiple key free throw situations near the end of the game and in overtime where they simply could not box out. Air Force played a zone for the majority of the game and the Buffaloes just decided to pass the ball around and not attack the zone. Also, 18 turnovers is just too much. The team just needs to get better, that is the easiest way to sum it up. They are capable of playing better and they have yet to show it. Ultimately, the Buffaloes cannot keep beating themselves because it will hurt them against better opponents, and improvements need to be made in every facet of the game.
Up Next: Next up is Georgia on Monday, the 28th, at the Coors Event Center. Georgia is 4-1 on the season and the Coors Event Center will be packed, so it will be a good matchup for the Buffaloes. If Colorado plays like they did tonight, they will have no chance. However, Boyle will make the necessary adjustments and they have five days to prepare, so the Buffaloes should get the win.