What an incredible game to start off the day. Marquette jumped out to an 11 point halftime lead, but Colorado kept cutting the lead throughout the second half. But every time the Buffaloes would tie the game (or even take the lead), the Golden Eagles would score some baskets and re-establish the lead.
With two great offensive teams, it looked like it could be whoever got the ball last, especially when Tristan da Silva tied the game with a minutes for Colorado.
After a couple of misses by both teams, Marquette’s Tyler Kolek drove to his left (like he did countless times in the game) – but instead of taking this one to the basket, he hit Chase Ross on the wing for a big three-pointer. But Colorado’s KJ Simpson quickly drove to the rim with a layup to cut the lead to one.
Then, the irony was defense took over – David Joplin drove to the lane for the Eagles but missed a well contested layup. KJ Simpson drove to the basket for the Buffaloes but got double teamed and forced into a jump ball. Kolek tried to kick the ball out to the wing and had it stolen. Cody Williams missed a step back three pointer.
Finally, with 54 second, Kolek did what he does best – he dribbled past everyone with his left hand, went along the baseline and under the basket, started to pull the ball back out and turned and shot the short jumper in the lane to give the Golden Eagles a 3 point lead.
Colorado’s J’Vonne Hadley missed a three-pointer but Colorado got the rebound and Cody Williams got fouled trying to score. But unfortunately, Williams missed the first free throw before making the second and cutting the lead to 2.
This also posed another problem. Colorado did a great job all game of not fouling. But this poses a problem when you only have 3 fouls and the shot clock goes off when you are behind. And you have to give credit to Marquette – it was clear Colorado was trying to foul but Kolek managed to pass the ball up the court before being fouled to waste a few seconds, and the same thing happened under the basket where he ran away from the Colorado defense and passed the ball out – managing to take precious seconds off the clock.
They did eventually foul David Joplin, and the junior forward managed to hit both free throws to make it a two-possession game with 7 seconds. KJ Simpson missed his three pointer from the wing, time ticked off the clock and the Golden Eagles are sending Coach Shaka Smart back to the Sweet 16.
I do have to say this funny moment as I realize I missed an opportunity – so this is one of my last chances to say it. Colorado is a good team at the fundamentals – as I mentioned they defended well without fouling. One of the announcers mentioned that Colorado was the 6th best team in the country in shooting three pointers. Well anyways
As the Buffaloes were coming back, Elizabeth said, “Go Buffaloes!!! And then said – wait what do Buffaloes say – is it Mooooo like a cow!”
And without missing a beat, I screamed “They say BOX OUT!!!!”. So maybe fans of the blog should be happy that it didn’t occur to me to say it until Elizabeth said something, and while the Buffaloes played great today, they will not be making a deep run into the tournament – because I am sure BOX OUT would come up several more times now that it crossed my mind. Buffaloes go to Sportsbars and say It is all about the fundamentals! BOX OUT!
OK – the Lunatic must get nervous and watch his Boilers! BOILER UP!!!