Colorado basketball might not have been able to make their way back to the NCAA Tournament in 2026, but thanks to a new postseason tournament their season is far from over.
The Buffs have accepted an invitation to return to the College Basketball Crown, a Las Vegas-based tournament in its second year. Tad Boyle’s squad will open against former Big 12 foe Oklahoma, 19-15, on April 1 at 6 p.m. MT in search of their first win in the tournament after being bounced in its first round by Villanova last year.
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Colorado went 17-15 in a competitive Big 12 Conference with wins over teams that are going dancing, like TCU, and several close losses to the conference’s top brass.
Led by true freshman Isaiah Johnson, the young Buffs grew as the year went on and found a real groove offensively in February. Johnson averaged 17 points per game and was supplemented by UC Riverside transfer Barrington Hargress, who averaged 14 points and 4.5 assists per game.
Colorado struggled defensively throughout the season and lacks a strong presence inside, which is usually held down by forward Bangot Dak. The lanky 7-foot forward was often bested by the conference’s best big men in the paint, which will be a battle to watch as the Sonners’ Tae Davis can be the heartbeat of Oklahoma’s offense.
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Both teams have a penchant for scoring, averaging over 80 points per game, meaning this game will more than likely be determined by which one can get the last stop. Oklahoma was the No. 40 team in the nation by KemPom rankings, while Colorado fell at No. 70.
The entire College Basketball Crown can be watched on FOX channels, with Colorado’s first matchup tipping off at 6 p.m. MT on FOX Sports 1 on April 1. Either Colorado or Oklahoma will face the winner of Baylor and Minnesota in the tournament’s semi-finals.
This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado basketball college basketball crown oklahoma
