The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team suffered its fifth consecutive loss on Saturday, falling to Central Florida (UCF) with a concerning display of defensive weakness. Under the leadership of head coach Tad Boyle, known for emphasizing defense and rebounding, the current season has deviated sharply from the standards set in previous years.
In their latest game, the Buffs allowed UCF to achieve a remarkable shooting percentage of over 60% in both halves, marking a troubling milestone as it was the first time in 12 years that an opposing team finished with such a high percentage at the Events Center. This performance has raised alarms as the Buffs prepare to face the No. 9 Iowa State on January 4, 2024, in a crucial Big 12 matchup.
Boyle reflected on the team’s struggles, stating, “For a coach that prides himself on being able to coach defense… it’s frustrating. Sometimes I feel it means more to me than it means to them on that end of the floor.” The Buffs have shown offensive potential, possessing the capacity to score effectively against top competition. However, their inability to defend has overshadowed their offensive efforts, leaving them vulnerable in one of the nation’s toughest basketball conferences.
The Buffaloes have managed to score well enough to compete, but their defensive statistics tell a different story. With a defensive field goal percentage of 45.8% and a three-point defense sitting at 37.1%, both figures are on track to represent the lowest under Boyle’s tenure, surpassing the previous low of 44.8% set during his inaugural season in 2010-11.
As the team confronts its defensive woes, Boyle noted that UCF’s performance was indicative of a broader issue, with the Knights becoming the seventh team this season to shoot at least 50% against the Buffaloes. “It’s just that grit that’s pound-the-table… we’ve got to fix this,” Boyle remarked, highlighting the need for a more consistent defensive effort from his players.
The Buffaloes’ challenges have persisted throughout the season, evident as they struggled against teams that do not typically pose a significant threat. In earlier games, the Buffs had allowed opponents from the Big Sky Conference to score effectively, leading to a growing concern about their defensive capabilities. Following the loss to UCF, Boyle expressed disappointment, stating, “(UCF) was a step backwards, for sure.”
Looking ahead, the Buffs face a daunting schedule, with upcoming games against several of the top six scoring offenses in the Big 12. “Defense is the thing that’s going to win you games,” said Barrington Hargress, a guard for the Buffaloes. “We’re trying to find it consistently for 40 minutes.”
As the Colorado Buffaloes prepare for their next challenge against Iowa State, the focus remains on shoring up their defense to avoid further losses and regain momentum in the Big 12 conference. The upcoming match could be pivotal for a team that has historically thrived on strong defensive play, making it crucial for the Buffaloes to turn their fortunes around on the court.
