Last night, the Colorado University mens basketball team claimed a 78-71 victory on their home court of the Coors Events Center over the 22nd ranked Baylor Bears. The win kept the Buffaloes perfect on the season at home- something they can also thank their fans for after they provided a great home atmosphere, for the first time in years, for the team to play in.
This was the Buffs first conference win in 13 games and it was their first win over a ranked opponent since February 2007 when the team took down the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Big XII teams are now 114-1 at home combined this year, which is by far the best mark for any conference in the nation. The Big XII is clearly the best conference in mens hoops right now with the Texas Longhorns and Kansas Jayhawks still being ranked in the top three in the nation. The Buffs proved last night that they are not going to be pushovers in the conference like so many years past and they certainly proved that they can compete with top competition when the game is played under their own roof.
Cory Higgins helped lead the Buffs late comeback by scoring 16 of his 18 points in the second half. Higgins received support from Marcus Relphorde, who added 17 points and led the team with 7 rebounds, and Alec Burks, who finished with 16, to get the Buffs to 10-6 (1-1 Big XII) and keep them undefeated at 9-0 at home.
LaceDarius Dunn was huge for the Bears, with 23 points, and with 7:25 left in the game he hit a three that put the Bears back on top 51-50 after the Buffs had begun to storm back. After the three, the Buffs exploded on a 9-0 run that was capped off by a big jump-shot by Dwight Thorne II. The Buffs never looked back as Relphorde hit a big three later when the Bears attempted one last push.
Coach Jeff Bzdelik has to be thrilled with the continually improving play of the Buffs who continue to mature and grow in his system.
“We’ve been playing pretty well and we’re getting better and we just need to continue to do that,” Bzdelik said. “To be able to get rewarded with a great win for the efforts that our players are making to improve, that’s huge. We kind of broke through … but this can’t just be a one-time thing.”
Higgins, the Buffs leader, also expressed his enthusiasm over the direction of the Buffs hoops program.
“I think we have been building more and more confidence,” Higgins said. “We know we can play with anyone. Unlike in the past, we expect to win these games. It’s a lot different this year. It’s been a tough stretch this past couple of years and I feel like we’re breaking through that door,” he added.
The Buffs next face the #12 Kansas State Wildcats this Saturday when they will try to push their home record to 10-0. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 pm MT so get down to the Coors Event Center and help cheer them Buffaloes on- it is time to protect that home court.
Quote Source: ESPN.COM
