The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team is facing significant challenges in defense and rebounding, culminating in their fifth consecutive loss. Under the guidance of head coach Tad Boyle, known for his defensive strategies, the current squad has not lived up to the legacy established during his tenure. Their recent defeat against Central Florida (UCF) highlighted these shortcomings, as the Buffs struggled to contain opposing teams, raising concerns about their performance ahead of a critical matchup against No. 9 Iowa State on January 25, 2024.
Despite possessing a strong offensive lineup capable of scoring against the toughest competition in the Big 12 Conference, the Buffaloes have been unable to stop their opponents. Boyle noted that this season’s defense has faltered, a stark contrast to previous years when his teams were often recognized for their defensive prowess. “We can’t stop anybody,” Boyle stated after the loss to UCF, emphasizing his frustration with the team’s lack of defensive cohesion.
The Buffaloes have demonstrated offensive capabilities, but their defensive statistics are concerning. UCF became the first team in twelve years to shoot over 60% against Colorado at the Events Center, a troubling trend for a program that prides itself on defensive integrity. Prior to the UCF game, only two teams had managed to achieve a field goal percentage of 60% against the Buffaloes in 19 halves of play this season.
While Boyle expressed hope that his team showed signs of improvement during their recent road trip, he acknowledged that the performance against UCF represented a regression. “(UCF) was a step backwards, for sure,” he remarked, reflecting on the need for a renewed commitment to defense. The Buffaloes currently boast a defensive field goal percentage of 45.8% and a three-point defensive percentage of 37.1%, both of which are on track to be the worst in Boyle’s 16-year tenure.
The upcoming game against Iowa State presents a significant challenge, as they will face one of the top-scoring offenses in the league. Colorado must address its defensive lapses promptly to improve its standing in the conference. Barrington Hargress, a guard for the Buffaloes, acknowledged the team’s struggle for consistency. “Defense is the thing that’s going to win you games,” he stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining a solid defensive effort throughout the entire game.
As the Buffaloes prepare for the contest against Iowa State, they will need to find a way to meld their offensive strengths with a more disciplined defensive approach. With several games remaining against the league’s top scoring teams, the urgency for improvement is palpable. The team must rally not only to halt their losing streak but also to restore the defensive reputation that has been a cornerstone of their success under Boyle.
