Texas Southern wrap

The Buffs did what they needed to do in their 88-74 win over Texas Southern last night in the opening round of the NIT.    The decent-sized crowd that showed up got plenty of show as CU repeated threw down some high-flying alley-oops.  However, the overall performance was a little disjointed.  The Buffs never looked completely "into" the game, and the entire event more-or-less felt like a glorified scrimmage.  Passes weren't as crisp as they sometimes needed to be, and there were plenty of mental errors on both sides of the ball.  But, as always, a win is a win.

It wasn't necessarily a perfectly played game, but the Buffs came through int he end.  From: the BDC

The team shot an incredible 61%, and the offense never really looked challenged by the flailing champions of the SWAC.  Burks and Higgins, again, lead the way to continue their March hot streak.  The duo combined for 52 points, 12 boards, and 6 assists.  To top it off they combined for an unbelievable 80% from the floor.  Alec seemed particularly unchallenged; after shaking off some early-game rust, the superlative sophomore began eviscerating the TSU Tigers with cuts to the rim exemplified by a second half play that saw him pirouette around his defender, drive hard to the basket, and flip up a ridiculous reverse layup that somehow found its way home.  The Tigers had no answer for him last night.

Alec continued his hot streak, and has at least 20 points in his last 4 games.  From: the BDC

Defensively, it seemed as if the Buffs were working some things out.  Late in the second half the Buffs even went extended periods in zone, something they never do, which seemed to be their way of practicing their zone look in a game setting.  Unfortunately, it still looks eminently beatable (which is why CU only play it when desperate).  Overall, CU held the Tigers to under 40% shooting, and under 30% from beyond the arc.

It felt weird to be back in the CEC last night.  Everything seemed just off-center.  From the lack of Tuba Cheer to the listless crowd spending almost the entire game working up the energy to cheer, it wasn't what CU basketball had been these last few months.  At least the Buffs pushed through the strangeness to grab the win in convincing fashion.

With first round action completed in the NIT, CU finds itself in a decent position, facing future conference foe Cal in the second round before potentially hosting either Fairfield or Kent State with a trip to New York on the line.  Cal is no pushover, however, and the Buffs will need a more focused approached then the one put on display last night if they expect to host a third NIT game.  You can excuse the lack of precision due both to the timing of the game and the quality of the opponent, but there is some doubt left in my mind whether the Buffs are over the disappointment of Selection Sunday.  Tomorrow night will be the real test.