Covering University of Colorado sports, mostly basketball, since 2010

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Quick Post: Dayton wrap

It wasn't pretty, but the Buffs pulled away late to beat Dayton 67-57 in the first round of the Charleston Classic.

A shaky first half, featuring nine ugly turnovers, had CU down four at the break.  It took a second half performance defined by an 18-2 run to take control of the game.  Dayton hung around, but the Buffs pulled away down the stretch.

CU stars Spencer Dinwiddie and Andre Roberson both struggled - 'Dre especially with six glaring turnovers - but freshmen Xavier Johnson and Josh Scott picked up the slack in scoring with a combined 17 in the second frame (combined 28 points for the game).  The best performance of the day, however, came from Askia Booker, who shot 55% from the field, including 3-5 from behind the arc, en route to leading the team with 16 points.  He also chipped in four rebounds and assists to stuff the statsheet.

The biggest key to the win was muting Dayton superstar Kevin Dillard.  He picked up two early fouls in the game, and never got a chance to heat up.  He managed to slip into double-figure scoring, but only shot 4-12 from the field, and 0-3 from deep.  In fact, the whole Dayton squad struggled from the field, as the Flyers could only mange 33% shooting on the day.  Shot percentage defense once again doing the job for the Buffs.

The win is solid for both the Buffs and the Pac-12, putting the team in the winners bracket along with potential RPI boosting opponents like Murray St, St. John's, and Baylor.  Tomorrow's game is set once again for 10:30am MT, and CU will be tasked with the winner of Baylor/Boston College.  BC nabbed a 2-point lead before half, and the game has been tight, but I still anticipate the blood-match revenge game with the Bears.  As always, Fuck Baylor!

GO BUFFS!  GET THAT REVENGE AND BEAT BAYLOR (... or just beat BC)!

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