Colorado Falls to No. 2 Arizona, Johnson Sets Freshman Scoring Record
BOULDER – Despite a career-high 28 points from Isaiah Johnson, the Colorado Buffaloes lost to No. 2-ranked Arizona 89-79 Saturday night at the CU Events Center.1 Colorado finished the regular season with a 17-14 record and a 7-11 mark in Big 12 play.1 Arizona concluded the regular season at 29-2 overall and 16-2 in conference play, securing first place in the Big 12.1
Johnson Makes History
Isaiah Johnson’s 28-point performance not only led the Buffaloes but similarly established a new Colorado freshman single-season scoring record, surpassing Alec Burks’ previous record of 512 points set in 2009-10. Johnson now has 526 points this season.1 “It definitely means a lot,” Johnson said. “That’s not easy to arrive by, being able to break that record. I’m just thankful that my coaches and my teammates have been able to put me in that position.”1
Key Performances
Barrington Hargress contributed 13 points, two blocks, and two steals for Colorado, while Jalin Holland added 12 points.1 Arizona was led by a strong showing from its freshman duo, Brayden Burries with 31 points and Koa Peat with 25 points.1
Game Recap
Colorado started strong, building an 11-point lead, but Arizona narrowed the gap to just two points by halftime.1 In the second half, Arizona shot 70.4% from the field (19-of-27), taking the lead and ultimately securing the victory.1 Arizona outscored Colorado 54-26 in the paint.1
“We had to protect and defend the paint, and we didn’t do that,” head coach Tad Boyle said. “They scored 54 points in the paint, and that was the reason they won the game, and we didn’t. That’s really what it comes down to. It was our inability to do that.”1
Senior Night Recognition
Before the game, Colorado honored Elijah Malone as part of Senior Night festivities. Malone finished with seven points and a game-high eight rebounds in 29 minutes of play.1 “The thing I like about Elijah is he gives you everything he’s got,” Boyle commented. “He’s pretty self-aware as a player, and he’s a team-first guy.”1
Up Next
Colorado will be the No. 11 seed in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament. The Buffaloes will begin tournament play against the 14th-seeded Oklahoma State Cowboys on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. (MT) on ESPN+.1