Kansas asserted its dominance over Colorado, riding a strong team performance to a 75-69 victory at the CU Events Center. The Jayhawks, ranked 15th in the net rankings, improved to 15-5 on the season, while the Buffaloes fell to 12-8. Despite being predicted to lose by a slim margin, Kansas controlled the tempo of the game, leading by as many as 7 points in the second half.
The first half saw Kansas take a 40-38 lead, with Melvin Council Jr. and Tre White leading the charge. Council Jr. finished with 18 points and 7 rebounds, while White added 17 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Colorado's Isaiah Johnson kept the Buffaloes in the game, scoring 19 points to pace his team. Barrington Hargress and Alon Michaeli also chipped in with 17 and 13 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Jayhawks.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Colorado winning by a mere 0.3 points, but Kansas had other plans. The Jayhawks' victory marked a significant win, especially considering it was a Quadrant 1 opportunity for the Buffaloes. For Kansas, the win fell into Quadrant 2, but it still bolstered their resume as they continue to push for a high seed in the tournament.
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The game was marked by several key moments, including a 10-2 run by Kansas midway through the second half that helped them build a 7-point lead. Colorado fought back, but the Jayhawks' defense held strong, limiting the Buffaloes to just 31 points in the second half. Darryn Peterson added 16 points and 6 rebounds for Kansas, providing a spark off the bench.
The win has real consequences for Kansas' tournament chances, as they continue to build a strong resume. With a net ranking of 15, the Jayhawks are firmly in the mix for a top seed, and this win will only help their cause. For Colorado, the loss is a missed opportunity to secure a Quadrant 1 win, but they still have time to make a push for the tournament. The Buffaloes must regroup and focus on their upcoming conference games if they hope to make a late-season surge.
This result will undoubtedly impact the tournament chances of both teams, with Kansas strengthening its position and Colorado facing an uphill battle. As the season enters its final stretch, the Jayhawks want to build on this momentum, while the Buffaloes will aim to bounce back from a tough loss. The resume implications of this game are clear: Kansas is a force to be reckoned with, and Colorado has its work cut out to make a deep postseason run.