Tag: winnable

As Buffs fans are so painfully aware, the Colorado men’s basketball team is scuffling.

But so is TCU. And yet another opportunity to end a historic and frustrating losing streak is at hand.

The Buffaloes complete the first half of Big 12 Conference play on Sunday at TCU. Like much of the first half of the league slate, there is no reason to believe it’s an impossible task ahead for a Buffs team looking to end an 0-9 start within the conference. But, CU has lost plenty of winnable games while compiling the program’s worst start to a conference schedule since starting 0-9 in the Big Eight in 1986-87.

The Buffs certainly will say they have an opportunity to win every game. Yet the reality of the second half of the Big 12 ledger — featuring two games against No. 11 Kansas, a trip to No. 3 Iowa State, a visit from No. 6 Houston and another road game at No. 22 Texas Tech — says CU must take advantage of opportunities like Sunday’s date at TCU if it hopes to end the longest losing streak in 15 seasons under head coach Tad Boyle sooner than later.

“Guarding the ball is going to be critical (against TCU’s guards),” Boyle said. “We’re going to have to be really sound at the point of attack, ball-screen-wise, to limit those guys as best we can. TCU plays hard. They play tough. They’re going to try to turn us over. Taking care of the ball is going be important.

“This team is not defending and they’re not rebounding at the level we need to to win games in the Big 12. Until we do that, it’s going to be hard to win and we put a lot of pressure on our offense. We’ve got a chance, no doubt. I told our guys, if we can beat UConn in Maui, we can win a couple here in February.”

TCU is coming off two road losses against Texas Tech and Utah and has lost three consecutive games overall. The Horned Frogs also have lost their past two home games.