Colorado Buffaloes Seek Redemption Against UCF After Tough Loss

The Colorado Buffaloes (9-4, 0-2 Big 12) are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 20-point loss to Arizona State as they face the Central Florida Knights (10-3, 1-1) on Wednesday night at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando. The game marks a critical moment for both teams, each coming off significant defeats and aiming to regain momentum in the Big 12 Conference.

Colorado’s loss to Arizona State was marked by poor shooting, as the Buffs hit just 34.8% from the field and a dismal 12.5% from beyond the arc. Leading scorer Julian Hammond III was held scoreless, compounding the team’s struggles. Head coach Tad Boyle emphasized the need for improved effort, particularly on defense and rebounding, after the Buffs were outrebounded 38-34 and outhustled for loose balls. “The standards that we set for this program are not being adhered to with our defensive effort and our rebounding effort,” Boyle said.

Meanwhile, UCF is reeling from a 51-point drubbing at the hands of No. 7 Kansas, the worst loss in head coach Johnny Dawkins‘ tenure. The Knights shot just 20.6% from the field while allowing Kansas to make 50.6% of its shots. Despite the setback, UCF has shown resilience in the past, boasting a 7-2 record following losses of more than 20 points under Dawkins.

UCF’s offense is led by a trio of guards: Keyshawn Hall (15.5 PPG), Jordan Ivy-Curry (14.8 PPG), and Darius Johnson (14.5 PPG), who account for 56.9% of the team’s scoring. Johnson, the team’s top playmaker, averages 4.2 assists and leads the Knights with 2.9 steals per game. The Knights also rely on 7-foot-2 freshman center Moustapha Thiam for rim protection, as he averages 2.5 blocks per game.

Colorado’s struggles with ball security and physicality have been a recurring issue this season. The Buffs average 14.5 turnovers per game, ranking 29th-worst in Division I, and have been outmuscled in their first two Big 12 games, surrendering 19 or more free throws in each. However, UCF’s poor rebounding (allowing the most boards in the conference) could provide an opportunity for Colorado to capitalize on second-chance points.

Both teams are eager to make a statement after their recent losses. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. MT on ESPN+, with the Buffs hoping to avoid their first 0-3 start in conference play since the 2016-17 season.