Colorado Buffaloes Look to Bounce Back Against Arizona State Sun Devils

Colorado seeks a home win after a tough loss at Baylor as they host Arizona State in a Big 12 matchup.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Colorado Buffaloes men's basketball team is looking to bounce back at home against the Arizona State Sun Devils after a lopsided loss at Baylor. Colorado (13-10, 3-7 Big 12) will host Arizona State (12-11, 3-7 Big 12) on Saturday, with the Buffs seeking a win to improve their NCAA Tournament hopes. The Buffs struggled mightily in the loss to Baylor, with their young backcourt unable to contain Baylor's Tounde Yessoufou. Colorado will need better performances from key players like Isaiah Johnson, Sebastian Rancik, and Bangot Dak to get back on track against an Arizona State team they've already defeated this season.

Why it matters

This game is crucial for Colorado's NCAA Tournament aspirations, as they sit at 76th in the KenPom rankings and 75th in NET. With eight games left, the Buffs need to pick up more quality wins to bolster their resume. A home victory over Arizona State, a team they've already beaten, would be a big boost. The Sun Devils have struggled in conference play as well, making this an important matchup for both teams trying to improve their standing in the Big 12.

The details

In the first meeting between these teams on January 1, Colorado defeated Arizona State 95-89 in a close game. Isaiah Johnson led the Buffs with 19 points, while Sebastian Rancik and Barrington Hargress combined for 35. Colorado dominated the glass and got to the free throw line often, making 32-of-38 attempts. The Sun Devils were led by Maurice Odum's 21 points and Massamba Diop's 20. Arizona State has struggled with its shooting, ranking 14th in the Big 12 in field goal percentage and 13th in 3-point percentage, while also allowing the fourth-most points defensively.

  • Colorado and Arizona State first met on January 1, 2026.
  • Colorado lost to Baylor on February 4, 2026.

The players

Tad Boyle

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes men's basketball team.

Tounde Yessoufou

A freshman guard for the Baylor Bears who scored 27 points against Colorado.

Isaiah Johnson

The star guard for the Colorado Buffaloes.

Bobby Hurley

The head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils men's basketball team.

Maurice Odum

The leading scorer for the Arizona State Sun Devils.

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What they’re saying

“We must bounce back quickly after that tough loss at Baylor. Arizona State is a team we've already beaten, and we need to take care of business at home.”

— Tad Boyle, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes (Colorado Athletics)

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a step closer to securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament, while the loser will face an uphill battle to make the field.

The takeaway

This matchup between Colorado and Arizona State is a crucial one for both teams as they look to improve their standing in the Big 12 and boost their NCAA Tournament resumes. The Buffaloes will be looking to bounce back at home after a tough loss, while the Sun Devils hope to build on a recent road win against Utah.