:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4032273/uspw_6795536.0.jpg)
One mark of a great team is being to escape games where their effort and execution might not be up to it's normal standards. I'm certainly not ready to say that Colorado is a great team, but they made another step in that direction after somehow managing to pull out a double overtime victory over the Texas Southern Tigers in Boulder. The Buffaloes started slow and were decimated by a barrage from the three-point line for the second game in a row but pulled out the win to move to 6-0.
Things the Buffaloes did well: Uh... they won? The fact that they were able to escape with a win in a game where they were out-worked, out-hustled and out-played all night is enough of a positive for me. Spencer Dinwiddie had a great game, ending the night with 23 points and 2 blocks. Andre Roberson came alive in the second half before fouling out with about a minute to play in regulation. He recorded his second straight double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. The Buffaloes actually had a good night from the line, finishing 33-44.
Things the Buffaloes struggled with: The Buffaloes won't be able to start a game like they did tonight against the next three teams on the schedule. Colorado came out lazy and uninspired to start the game and they lacked the killer instinct to put away an inferior team at the end of regulation. Askia Booker had an awful game, especially in regulation, characterized by poor shot selection as he finished with 15 points. Xavier Johnson struggled off the bench, only putting up 6 points on top of 2 turnovers. Sabatino Chen struggled with mistakes all night, especially his foul behind the three-point line at the end of the first overtime. Texas Southern finished with 12 3-pointers and the Buffs had no answer for Omar Strong, who finished with 39 points.
Up next: The Buffaloes begin a tough three-game stretch on Saturday night when they head north on I-25 to take on the undefeated Wyoming Cowboys in Laramie. It will be the Buffs first true road game of the season. Following the Cowboys Colorado takes on Colorado State at home and Kansas in Lawrence. If they want to escape that stretch with a winning record in the three games, they will need to put forth a significantly stronger effort than they did tonight.
By Jon Woods