As the game began, Elon University showed promise at No. 21 University of Colorado.
The Phoenix was forcing the Buffaloes into turnovers and stifling the team’s shooters. At the 11:45 mark in the first half, Elon led Colorado, 13-8.
But, once the Buffaloes found their groove, there was no stopping them. Despite 27 points from senior guard Sebastian Koch, Colorado prevailed with an 80-63 victory over the visiting Phoenix.
Koch was the bright spot for Elon, scoring all of his point by the three-pointer. He downed nine of them, accounting for the largest point total since senior guard Jack Isenbarger tallied 34 against The Citadel on Feb. 4, 2012.
Elon only had five turnovers at the half, compared to Colorado’s 12, but the Buffaloes outrebounded the Phoenix, 33-11, in the first 20 minutes of play. After missing its first five shots of the game, Colorado finished the half by making 12 of their next 22.
A 22-5 run by the host Buffaloes proved to be the difference, as Colorado led 41-26 at the break. Elon struggled to get opportunities at the free throw line as well, as they did not have a single point from the charity stripe at halftime.
The Phoenix tried to make a run during the second half, cutting the Buffalo lead to 52-45 with 13 minutes to play. But the 21st ranked Buffaloes never relented, and cruised to the nonleague victory.
The game was meant to be a homecoming for Elon junior forward Ryan Winters along with sophomore guard Tanner Samson, who scored 12 points on the night.
Elon drops to 5-5 overall, and will travel to the nation’s capital to battle Georgetown University on Dec. 17.