The Colorado Buffaloes are facing significant challenges this season, particularly in defense and rebounding, as they succumbed to the Central Florida Knights, marking their fifth consecutive loss. Coach Tad Boyle has built a reputation for fostering strong defensive teams during his tenure, but this year’s squad has struggled to uphold that tradition, prompting concerns as they prepare to face No. 9 Iowa State on January 4, 2024.
Despite an offensive capability that can match any team in one of the toughest conferences, Colorado’s defense has faltered. The Buffaloes have consistently allowed high shooting percentages, including a disheartening performance against UCF, where the Knights shot over 60% in both halves. This marks the first time in 12 years that an opposing team has achieved such a feat at the Events Center.
Coach Boyle expressed his frustration following the loss, stating, “For a coach that prides himself on being able to coach defense… we’ve had teams that will compete on that end of the floor. That’s why we’ve had success.” He reflected on the team’s offensive skills, asserting that while the players excel at scoring, their inability to stop opponents has been detrimental.
The Buffaloes’ defensive statistics are concerning, with a field goal percentage of 45.8% allowed, coupled with a troubling 37.1% percentage in three-point defense. If these trends continue, they are on track to record the lowest defensive metrics of Boyle’s 16-year coaching career, with the previous low of 44.8% established during his inaugural season in 2010-11.
As the Buffaloes aim to break their losing streak, they must confront the reality of facing some of the top scoring offenses in the Big 12, including a tough matchup against Iowa State. The team’s guard, Barrington Hargress, highlighted the need for consistent defensive execution, stating, “Defense is the thing that’s going to win you games. We’re trying to find it consistently for 40 minutes.”
With their current trajectory, Colorado will need to make substantial improvements before they can hope to compete effectively in the conference. Coach Boyle acknowledged the necessity of instilling a stronger defensive mentality, urging his players to adopt a more aggressive approach on that end of the floor.
The upcoming game against Iowa State will be a critical test for the Buffaloes, as they seek to regain their footing in the highly competitive landscape of college basketball. The team’s ability to adapt and improve will be pivotal in determining their success as the season progresses.
