CU Buffs Edge Eastern Washington in Thrilling Overtime Victory

UPDATE: The CU Buffs men’s basketball team secured a nail-biting 102-97 overtime victory against Eastern Washington on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the CU Events Center. This thrilling win improves the Buffaloes’ record to 2-0 for the season, showcasing their resilience despite ongoing struggles with defense and free-throw shooting.

The game reached a dramatic climax as it was tied 85-85 at the end of regulation. With just over three minutes left in overtime, a crucial turning point occurred when Eastern Washington’s Straton Rogers was assessed two technical fouls, opening the door for CU. Sebastian Rancik and Isaiah Johnson capitalized on this opportunity, hitting four consecutive free throws to give the Buffs a 90-85 lead.

However, Eastern Washington fought back, tying the game again at 90-90 thanks to a spectacular 3-point play by Johnny Radford with 1:50 remaining. The Buffs quickly responded with back-to-back 3-pointers from Johnson and Elijah Malone, establishing a pivotal six-point lead that proved decisive.

In a stark contrast to their earlier free-throw performance, the Buffs found their rhythm at the line during overtime, converting 11 of 14 attempts to seal the victory. Rancik led the team with a career-high 24 points, while Barrington Hargress contributed 14 points and four assists, underscoring the team’s depth.

The Eagles, now 0-3 this season, showcased impressive shooting with a 59.7% field goal percentage, led by Isaiah Moses who scored a staggering 30 points.

As the season progresses, the Buffs will need to address their defensive issues and inconsistencies at the free-throw line to maintain their winning momentum. Fans will be eager to see how they adapt in their upcoming matches.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the CU Buffs continue their quest for a successful season!