CU Buffs Edge Eastern Washington 102-97 in Overtime Thriller

UPDATE: The Colorado Buffaloes basketball team clinched a dramatic 102-97 overtime victory against the Eastern Washington Eagles on November 11, 2023, at the CU Events Center. This hard-fought win marks the Buffs’ second consecutive victory of the season, improving their record to 2-0.

In a game filled with tension and pivotal moments, the teams ended regulation tied at 85-85. The turning point arrived when Eastern Washington’s Straton Rogers received two technical fouls, giving Colorado a crucial opportunity with 3 minutes, 9 seconds remaining in overtime.

Following the technical fouls, Buffs players Sebastian Rancik and Isaiah Johnson capitalized at the free-throw line, sinking four shots to give Colorado a 90-85 lead. However, the Eagles quickly responded, with Johnny Radford converting a 3-point play to tie the game at 90-90 with just 1 minute, 50 seconds left on the clock.

But the Buffs rallied back, as Johnson and Elijah Malone hit back-to-back 3-pointers, extending their lead to six points. Colorado’s free-throw shooting improved dramatically in the overtime period, going 11-for-14 from the line, sealing their victory.

Rancik led the Buffaloes with a career-high 24 points, supported by Barrington Hargress, who contributed 14 points and four assists. On the other side, Eastern Washington’s Isaiah Moses shone brightly, scoring 30 points despite the loss.

This thrilling match showcased not only the skills of the players but also highlighted the ongoing struggles of Colorado’s defense, which has been a concern early in the season. As the Buffs continue to improve, fans will be eagerly watching how they address these issues moving forward.

The next challenge for the Buffaloes will be crucial as they aim to solidify their game strategy and maintain momentum. Stay tuned for updates as the season unfolds, and keep an eye on the Buffs as they strive for success this year.