Senior guard Julian Hammond III makes a break for the basket during the game against Colorado State University at the CU Events Center on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (Clementine Miller/CU Independent)
The University of Colorado men’s basketball team hosted No. 3 Iowa State University on Monday, Dec. 30, to open Big 12 play in the school’s first season in the conference.
Colorado entered the matchup with a 9-2 overall record, with losses to Michigan State University and Iowa State, both of which came in the Maui Invitational a few weeks ago. Iowa State, at 10-1, had its only loss of the season to current No. 2 Auburn University.
Monday’s game was the second of three regular-season matchups between the teams. The first meeting ended in a 99-71 Iowa State victory, but with this game held at the CU Events Center, the Buffaloes had a chance against one of the best teams in the country.
Since the Maui Invitational, Colorado has seen the emergence of longtime contributor and Denver native, point guard Julian Hammond III. Hammond, starting with Colorado’s third game of the season against Michigan state, has averaged more than 15 points per game and leads the team in both points and assists. Additionally, Grace College transfer Elijah Malone has contributed 11.5 points per game, ranking second on the team.
For Iowa State, the trio of guards, Curtis Jones and Keshon Gilbert, along with forward Joshua Jefferson, has powered the Cyclones to national prominence. Jones and Gilbert both average more than 16 points per game, with Jones excelling as a shooter (38.4% from 3-point range on 7.2 attempts per game) and Gilbert contributing as a point guard with five assists per game.
Jefferson adds 11.6 points and averages over eight rebounds per game. Notably, Iowa State entered the matchup with six players averaging double figures in points, compared to Colorado’s three.
As the game began, the Buffs got off to a hot start after Hammond hit two long jumpers to put Colorado up 5-0 in the first minute. However, Iowa State’s relentless, drive-heavy offense put the Cyclones ahead 17-13 by the 10-minute mark of the first half, with Gilbert scoring eight points off close-range opportunities and Jefferson adding 4. Despite three three-pointers from Hammond and guard RJ Smith that helped Colorado take a 23-19 lead a few minutes later, two three-pointers from Curtis Jones in the final three minutes gave Iowa State a 37-31 lead at halftime.
At the break, it was clear that Iowa State’s ability to grab offensive rebounds was steering the direction of the game. Both of Jones’ 3-pointers came off second-chance opportunities, marking a frustrating 6-point swing for the Buffs.
Coach Tad Boyle addressed the issue of second-chance points after the game
“It’s five guys’ job to rebound, not just one or two, it’s not just our bigs who are supposed to rebound, it’s all five of them,” Boyle said. “There were times we just got our tails kicked. It’s a free ball, a 50-50 ball – they got it, and we didn’t.”
But still, Hammond had already scored 12 points, including two 3-pointers, while fellow guards Smith and Javon Ruffin had contributed eight and five points respectively.
After a strong start to the second half by Cyclones center Dishon Jackson, Iowa State built its lead to 43-31. However, a 24-7 run by Colorado – sparked by back-to-back three-pointers from Smith and continued by big shots from Hammond, guard Sebastian Rancik, and two electrifying dunks from forward Trevor Baskin – put the Buffs ahead 55-50 with 12 minutes remaining. For a moment, an upset seemed possible at the Events Center.
Iowa State quickly regained the lead after three straight layups, two of which were scored by Jones. Colorado went cold from the field and the Cyclones took control. The Buffs stayed within striking distance until the 5-minute mark, with Iowa State leading 64-63. But Iowa State’s suffocating defense and ability to generate second-chance opportunities ultimately wore down Colorado in the final minutes. The game ended with Iowa State securing a 79-69 road victory.
Once again, the deciding factor was Iowa State’s dominance on the offensive glass, as the Cyclones out rebounded Colorado 14-7 in that category.
“We’ve got to embrace physicality on the offensive boards. That’s what lost us this game,” said Smith after the game.
Curtis Jones led Iowa State with 20 points, while Keshon Gilbert added 14 points and three assists. For Colorado, Hammond had 21 points, four assists, and four rebounds in one of his best performances of the season. Smith finished with 14 points, including 3 3-pointers.
Colorado’s next game is Saturday at Arizona State University as the team continues its Big 12 schedule.
Contact CU Independent sports editor Charlie Hewitt at charlie.hewitt@colorado.edu
