With each impressive win, the expectations for the Colorado men’s basketball team continue to rise. The team’s strong start to the season, led by impact freshmen and improved returning players, has shifted the trajectory of the program after a challenging previous season.
As the Buffs prepare to face Cal Baptist in a highly anticipated matchup, head coach Tad Boyle emphasizes the importance of staying focused and approaching each game with the same level of intensity. Despite their undefeated record, the team remains grounded and focused on continuous improvement.
Both teams, Cal Baptist and Colorado, enter the game with perfect 7-0 records, setting the stage for an exciting showdown. The Buffs have the opportunity to achieve their best start in 76 years with a victory against Cal Baptist, adding to the team’s recent success at the Acrisure Holiday Classic.
Boyle stresses the importance of learning and growing as a team, rather than getting caught up in their early success. The focus remains on getting better every day and preparing for the challenges ahead, including a tough nonconference schedule.
Cal Baptist at CU Buffs men’s basketball
TIPOFF: Monday, 7 p.m., CU Events Center.
TV/RADIO: ESPN+/KOA 850 AM and 94.1 FM.
RECORDS: Cal Baptist 7-0; Colorado 7-0.
COACHES: Cal Baptist — Rick Croy, 13th season (257-128, 387-163 overall). Colorado — Tad Boyle, 16th season (319-204, 375-270 overall).
KEY PLAYERS: Cal Baptist — G Dominique Daniels Jr., 5-10, Gr. (17.8 ppg, 4.5 apg, 18-for-19 FTs); G Martel Williams, 6-3, Sr. (15.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg, .440 3%); G Jayden Jackson, 6-4, Gr. (9.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg); F Devon Malcolm, 6-5, Sr. (8.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, .524 FG%); F Jonathan Griman, 6-11, Jr. (8.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg, .656 FG%). Colorado — G Isaiah Johnson, 6-1, Fr. (14.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg, .574 FG%, .571 3%); F Sebastian Rancik, 6-11, So. (13.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.1 apg, .357 3%); F Bangot Dak, 7-0, Jr. (12.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, .508 FG%); G Barrington Hargress, 6-1, R-Jr. (11.9 ppg, 5.6 apg, .548 FG%); F Alon Michaeli, 6-9, Fr. (10.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, .532 FG%); G Felix Kossaras, 6-6, So. (8.9 ppg, .579 3%); C Elijah Malone, 6-10, Gr. (8.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg, .667 FG%).
NOTES: This is the first matchup between the programs. … CU has shot .472 (25-for-53) on 3-pointers over the past three games. … Cal Baptist has played the past two games without Jackson, who started the first five games of the year. … Williams went 3-for-5 on 3-pointers and scored a team-high 19 points during Cal Baptist’s win at Oregon State on Saturday. … CU hasn’t been outrebounded in any game this season, although it finished the game against San Francisco tied 35-35. … Rancik went without a rebound in CU’s season-opening win against Montana State but has averaged 6.3 in the six games since. … Dak has recorded nine blocked shots in the past four games. With 62 career blocks, Dak needs 11 more to break into the top-20 of CU’s career leaders list. … The Buffs play their only true road game of the nonconference schedule in its rivalry battle at Colorado State on Saturday (3 p.m., CBS Sports Network).
