University of Colorado Boulder forward Andrej Jakimovski jumps for a layup during the basketball game at the CU Events Center on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. (Linus Loughry/CU Independent)
Men’s college basketball returned to the CU Events Center Monday with a comeback win for the University of Colorado Buffaloes against the Eagles of Eastern Washington University. Colorado improved to 5-0 in its all-time record against Eastern Washington.
This year’s team looked vastly different from last season’s historic roster, with notable departures including forward Tristian De Silva, guard KJ Simpson and forward Cody Williams to the NBA, as well as key transfers like center Eddie Lampkin Jr. These changes have opened the door for new leaders to emerge. Although the Buffaloes struggled in the first half, they found their rhythm after the break, scoring 51 points in the final 20 minutes. New faces got their chance to shine, giving fans a glimpse of the players who might carry a significant workload this season.
A starting lineup of guard Julian Hammond III, guard Javon Ruffin, forward Elijah Malone, forward Andrej Jakimovski and forward Bangot Dak took the floor for Colorado in what was an ugly first-half performance. Eastern Washington capitalized on Colorado’s 13 first-half turnovers, turning them into 13 points, while also adding 16 points from their bench. The Eagles shot 50% from behind the arc in the first half, making four of eight attempts. The Buffs shot a dismal 11.1% from three-point range, with only one of their nine attempts finding the basket. Overall, shots weren’t falling for Colorado, which went nine for 27 from the field. Despite the struggles with shooting and ball control, Colorado dominated the boards, outrebounding the Eagles 24-15. Trailing by as many as 17 points, Colorado managed to cut the deficit to six by halftime.
University of Colorado Boulder forward Assane Diop shoots against Eastern Washington University forward Jackson Seale during the basketball game at the CU Events Center on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. (Linus Loughry/CU Independent)
The second half saw a turnaround, as Colorado poured in 30 points in the final 10 minutes. The game had been tied at 46 with 10:30 remaining. The Buffaloes finished with a 45.5% field goal percentage and a solid 39.1% from three-point range, showing marked offensive improvement. Forwards Sebastian Rancik and Trevor Baskin provided a much-needed offensive spark off the bench, combining for 25 points. Rancik hit four of five three-point attempts, while Baskin was a perfect six for seven from the free-throw line. Javon Ruffin added 12 points and Andrej Jakimovski, a transfer from Washington State University, chipped in 11.
Eastern Washington managed just 10 points in the final 10 minutes and seemed to tire as the game went on. Head coach Tad Boyle noted that the altitude may have worked in Colorado’s favor, as Eastern Washington appeared to be the stronger team early in the game.
“Eastern Washington was the better-coached team; they played better than us. Thank God they got tired, and they’re playing at altitude, otherwise, it would have been a loss for us,” Boyle said. “Our guys finally woke up, defensively we got some stops, strung some things together, and got out in transition. But there’s so much to improve upon.”
Graduate transfer Trevor Baskin, formerly of Colorado Mesa University, also acknowledged the team’s slow start but attributed it to the excitement of the new season.
“Everyone is going to have nerves in the first game. It’s exciting; we’ve been looking forward to this since we started practicing in June,” Baskin said. “I’m not sure if it was nerves, though – it was more excitement, like ‘Oh my God, I get to play a game that counts now.’ Eventually, the high kind of settled down and we were able to play our game.”
University of Colorado Boulder forward Bangot Dak drives against Eastern Washington University guard Sebastian Hartmann during the basketball game at the CU Events Center on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. (Linus Loughry/CU Independent)
With the first game of the season in the books, the Buffaloes hope their early-season jitters will continue to subside. A younger, less experienced team is expected to have some kinks to work out and their four-game home stand to start the season will be key. The Buffaloes will play their second game of the season at the CU Events Center this Friday against the University of Northern Colorado, followed by matchups next week against California State University, Fullerton and Harvard University. The Buffs will then participate in the prestigious Maui Invitational, starting with a matchup against Michigan State University. While the start to the season was rocky, there is excitement surrounding the game-to-game growth of Colorado’s revamped men’s basketball team.
Contact CU Independent basketball writer Wilson Georges at wilson.georges@colorado.edu
