Young Buffs Gain Experience in Blowout Exhibition Loss

A dominating exhibition match win versus Colorado School of Mines was followed up by a rather lackluster performance in the final exhibition match at Nebraska on Sunday.

Head coach Tad Boyle has been forced to work with a young team after losing several seniors earlier this year. A slew of sophomores have had plenty of opportunity thus far, but have a lot of work to do before the regular season.

Sophomore guards Keeshawn Barthelemy, Nique Clifford and Luke O’Brien had strong offensive showings despite the blow out loss. Barthelemy and Clifford each put up 12 points, and O’Brien fell right behind them with 11.

Senior leaders Eli Parquet and Evan Battey always help their team, but it was obvious that the younger players took the game as an opportunity to gain valuable experience. Battey had an uncharacteristic day, missing all of this attempts from the field.

Against both Nebraska and Mines, the Buffs struggled from the three-point line. After going 3 for 19 on Sunday, Colorado has made just five three-pointers over the two games.

The defense was an issue at Nebraska as well. Despite the preparation of knowing the Cornhuskers were a strong three-point shooting team, the Buffs couldn’t find ways to stop them from hitting shots from outside.

Sunday provided an inside scoop as to what Boyle and his young Buffs need to work on before their first regular season matchup against Montana State on Nov. 9.