Colorado Basketball Seeks to End Historic Losing Streak Against Struggling TCU

FORT WORTH, Texas — The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team faces a critical opportunity to end a historic nine-game losing streak as they take on TCU on Sunday at Schollmaier Arena. Both teams are struggling, with Colorado (9-11, 0-9 Big 12) winless in conference play and TCU (10-10, 3-6) coming off three consecutive losses.

The Buffaloes are enduring their worst conference start since the 1986-87 season, when they began 0-9 in the Big Eight. Head coach Tad Boyle emphasized the importance of defense and rebounding, areas where the team has struggled. “This team is not defending and they’re not rebounding at the level we need to to win games in the Big 12,” Boyle said. “Until we do that, it’s going to be hard to win.”

TCU, meanwhile, has faced challenges since losing starting point guard Frankie Collins to a season-ending injury in December. The Horned Frogs rank 14th in the Big 12 in defensive field goal percentage (.472) and have struggled to maintain consistency. Despite their recent struggles, TCU has shown resilience, including a Jan. 11 home win against BYU.

Colorado guard Javon Ruffin remains optimistic about the team’s chances. “We have to guard (at TCU). Offense will come and go,” Ruffin said. “If we can guard and get stops, we win the game. It really is that simple.”

The game tips off at 2 p.m. MT on Sunday and will be broadcast on ESPN+ and KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM. This marks the first meeting between the two programs as Big 12 Conference foes. Historically, the series is tied 2-2, with TCU winning the last matchup in 2008.

Key players to watch include Colorado’s Julian Hammond III, who averages 13.9 points per game, and TCU’s Noah Reynolds, who leads the Horned Frogs with 12.4 points per game. Both teams have struggled from beyond the arc, with Colorado shooting .304 and TCU .289 on 3-pointers in conference play.

Colorado’s schedule doesn’t get easier after Sunday, with upcoming games against No. 11 Kansas, No. 3 Iowa State, and No. 6 Houston. A win against TCU could provide much-needed momentum as the Buffaloes look to turn their season around.