Graduate student forward Andrej Jakimovski catches a pass during the game against the University of Houston at the CU Events Center on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. (Clementine Miller/CU Independent)
The CU Events Center drew its largest crowd in recent weeks on Saturday, as the University of Colorado Buffaloes (9-14, 0-12 Big 12) still couldn’t shake their struggles, falling 69-59 to the No. 5 ranked University of Houston Cougars (19-4, 11-1 Big 12). The loss extends the Buffaloes’ losing streak to 12 games, their longest since the 2008-09 season.
The game began with Houston cementing their early pace and leaving many Buffs fans disappointed by the Cougar’s quick 9-0 lead. However, Colorado responded with an impressive 11-point run, tying the game dead at 14.
Despite the comeback, the Buffaloes later continued to struggle with the momentum they had gained earlier, trailing just a few points behind the Cougars.
Junior guard Julian Hammond III delivered a spectacle for the people in attendance Saturday, dropping a game-high 22 points, including five three-pointers. His efforts kept Colorado in the game, narrowing the gap to 54-52 with just under six minutes remaining.
His shooting earned praise even across the court.
“(Hammond’s) shooting so well,” said Kelvin Sampson, Houston’s head coach, after the game. “I didn’t know whether to come out there and high-five him or yell at my players.”
Houston’s J’Wan Roberts led his team with 20 points, 14 of which came in the second half. His crucial baskets came in clutch in the final minutes and helped the Cougars secure the win. His teammates L.J. Cryer and Terrance Arceneaux each contributed 15 points, building on the foundation of Houston’s offense.
The Buffaloes’ inconsistencies in shooting was put right under the spotlight as well, as they connected on 41.3% of their field goals and 39.1% from beyond the arc while the Cougars shot 48.2% from the field and 40% from three-point range.
This loss leaves the Buffaloes still seeking their first conference win, as they remain winless in the Big 12.
“I will take the effort we had,” said Head Coach Tad Boyle after the game. “If we continue with that fight and togetherness, build on it and become more consistent through a 40-minute game, we will be rewarded at some point.”
The team will look to regroup and address the challenges that have plagued them before their matchup against the heavyweight No. 17 Kansas Jayhawks. The Buffs will travel to the Allen Fieldhouse this Tuesday, with tip off coming at 7 p.m. MST, streamed live on ESPN2.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Scott Tan at scta2631@colorado.edu
