Colorado Coach Tad Boyle Reacts to Loss Against No. 22 BYU

In a thrilling matchup, the Colorado Buffaloes faced off against the No. 22 BYU Cougars, ultimately losing 90-86 in overtime. This game marked a significant improvement for Colorado, especially following their recent 78-44 defeat to Texas Tech. Head coach Tad Boyle expressed pride in his team’s performance, stating they fought valiantly throughout the game.

Tad Boyle’s Reflections on Team Performance

Following the tough loss to BYU, Boyle highlighted the competitive nature of the game. “That was a heck of a college basketball game. I’m really proud of our guys,” he remarked. Despite Colorado’s earlier struggles, the team displayed resilience, scoring 21 points off BYU’s turnovers. However, they faced challenges shooting in overtime, making just 2 of 10 attempts.

Key Players and Moments

BYU’s strong performance was aided by their shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 50% of their three-point attempts. This ultimately proved crucial in sealing their victory. Boyle noted the difference in execution under pressure, admitting that while Colorado had good scoring chances, they failed to capitalize in critical moments.

• Colorado’s highlights included strong defensive efforts, particularly against BYU’s star player AJ Dybantsa, who managed only 20 points and had seven turnovers.
• Freshmen players from BYU, including Tyler Mrus and Aleksej Kostic, contributed significantly after coming off the bench, showcasing depth in their roster.

Boyle acknowledged the grit of BYU’s substitutes, saying, “They made four threes in that first half, and credit goes to them for stepping up.” This performance exemplified how unexpected players can impact a game.

Upcoming Challenges for Colorado

With their record now standing at 14-12, including 4-9 in Big 12 play, the Buffaloes are set to return to Boulder. They will face Oklahoma State and Kansas State in upcoming games that Boyle believes are crucial for his team. “I’ll go to war with you guys when you perform like you did tonight,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to their effort and determination.

Certainly, despite the loss, Colorado demonstrated potential and a fighting spirit that the team can build upon in their next matchup. The continuous improvement and team unity shown against BYU will be vital as they navigate the remainder of their season.