Colorado Faces Critical Week With TCU Matchup

Buffs look to end six-game losing streak and avoid another last-place Big 12 finish

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:15pm

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The Colorado Buffaloes men's basketball team is facing a critical week in their season, as they look to end a six-game losing streak and avoid another last-place finish in the Big 12 Conference. The Buffs will host TCU on Sunday, followed by a road game at Baylor and a home matchup against Arizona State. Head coach Tad Boyle has emphasized the importance of this upcoming week, calling it "the biggest week of our season."

Why it matters

Colorado's recent struggles have put them in danger of spiraling into another last-place finish in the Big 12, which would be a major disappointment after the Buffs started the season with promise. This upcoming three-game stretch represents a chance for the team to right the ship and get their season back on track before facing a difficult road ahead.

The details

The Buffs are coming off their worst performance of the season, a 30-point loss at No. 8 Iowa State that extended their losing streak to six games. However, CU's defense has struggled throughout Big 12 play, ranking 15th in the conference in overall defensive field goal percentage and last in defensive 3-point percentage. Meanwhile, TCU has suffered its five conference losses by an average of just 6.0 points, suggesting the Buffs have a chance to get back in the win column on Sunday.

  • The Buffs host TCU on Sunday, January 31, 2026.
  • Colorado visits Baylor on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
  • The Buffs host Arizona State on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Tad Boyle

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes men's basketball team, who is in his 16th season with the program.

Isaiah Johnson

A freshman guard for the Colorado Buffaloes, who is the team's leading scorer, averaging 16.6 points per game.

Barrington Hargress

A redshirt junior guard for the Colorado Buffaloes, who is averaging 14.0 points and 4.5 assists per game.

David Punch

A sophomore forward for the TCU Horned Frogs, who is averaging 14.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.

Jayden Pierre

A senior guard for the TCU Horned Frogs, who is averaging 10.8 points and 2.7 assists per game.

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What they’re saying

“Very important. This is a huge week. It's the biggest week of our season.”

— Tad Boyle, Head Coach (dailycamera.com)

“Attitude's perfectly fine. We're just going to be prepared for TCU on Sunday.”

— Isaiah Johnson, Guard (dailycamera.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This upcoming week represents a critical juncture for the Colorado Buffaloes, as they look to end their six-game losing streak and avoid another last-place finish in the Big 12 Conference. The team's defensive struggles have been a major factor in their recent slide, and they will need to shore up that side of the ball in order to get back on track.