Back to back: Colorado beats both Arizona State and Arizona


Colorado senior George King from Brennan (24) blocks Arizona forward Ira Lee (11)

The Colorado Buffaloes were on a skid. They had lost six of their last eight games. The Buffs had been blown out at both Oregon State and Oregon last week.

Considering that Colorado had posted a combined 25-31 record in the conference since 2014-15, as of early this week, fans of both the Arizona Sun Devils and Arizona Wildcats likely had projected both games as victories.

Surprise.

The Buffaloes have made a statement of sorts, beating both of the nationally-ranked title contenders in a span of three days.

After knocking off Arizona State 90-81 in overtime Thursday night, Colorado followed it up with an 80-77 victory Saturday.

So, what is the statement?

“The statement is, if we play the way we are capable of playing, we can play with anybody in this league,” Colorado coach Tad Boyle told reporters. “We still have to prove that on the road. That’s the next challenge to this team.

“We get a chance to do that in L.A. against USC, on Wednesday night. That’s the statement we’ve made. I believe in this group and want ’em to get better. They’re a joy to coach.”

Colorado senior George King, a starting guard from Brennan High School, is playing well, averaging 13 points and 8.1 rebounds for the season.

Against Arizona State, the 6-6, 225-pounder had 18 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks. He added 5 points and 11 rebounds against Arizona.

Before the season, Boyle told Athlon Magazine, “George is probably the guy we’re counting on the most from a leadership standpoint. He’s really turned into a very good college player.

“His next step is hopefully to make his teammates better.”