Even with all five starters healthy, Colorado men’s basketball’s road woes continued on Wednesday night in an embarrassing 82-78 loss at Cal.
The Buffs led by 20 late in the first half before collapsing defensively. Cal’s Jaylon Tyson scored 23 of his game-high 30 points after the break and Colorado did little to slow the Golden Bears’ 3-point shooters.
“Really a disappointing loss because we played well enough to win and as a coach, those are the tough ones,” CU head coach Tad Boyle said (h/t CUBuffs.com). “Maybe I need to play more guys, maybe I’m playing guys too many minutes. I just don’t know… But I just know our defense isn’t good enough. That much I do know.”
While Colorado’s defensive woes certainly stood out, the Buffs did receive a career-high 22 points from big man Eddie Lampkin Jr. Tristan da Silva, who missed what would’ve been a go-ahead 3-pointer on Colorado’s final offensive possession, also scored 20.
Cody Williams, playing in his first game since Dec. 3, appeared rusty at times but still scored 16.
Now 11-5 overall and 2-3 to begin Pac-12 play, Colorado should be considered a fringe NCAA Tournament team.
Our own Oliver Hayes nailed it when he compared this Cal loss to Colorado football’s meltdown against Stanford in October:
This loss to Cal feels like the #CUBuffs football team's blown 29-point lead against Stanford. Both have left me absolutely shocked. Two dominant first halves that make you think a loss couldn't be possible.
— Oliver Hayes (@ocuhayes) January 11, 2024
Up next, Colorado hosts Bronny James and the USC Trojans on Saturday at 8 p.m. MT (ESPN2).
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