Colorado Silences Critics and Dominates Eastern Washington in Season Opener

In their 2024 season opener on November 4, Colorado defeated Eastern Washington 76-56 in Boulder, Colorado. Despite trailing 31-25 at halftime, Colorado staged a comeback, taking control of the game after the break. Key contributions came from reserves Sebastian Rancik and Trevor Baskin, who scored 13 and 12 points respectively, while Javon Ruffin added another 12 points. Nic McClain was the standout player for Eastern Washington with 16 points. The Eagles initially built a significant lead, reaching 21-6 in the first half, but Colorado rallied, outscoring Eastern Washington 23-5 over an eight-minute span during the second half. This crucial shift was sparked by strong offensive plays and solid rebounding, specifically a 43-24 advantage on the boards, which allowed Colorado to maintain possession and create second-chance scoring opportunities. Although Colorado faced challenges with ball control, committing 18 turnovers, they compensated by dominating the rebound game. Trevor Baskin's layup in the final minutes extended their lead into double digits, firmly establishing their dominance in the latter part of the game. The victory improved Colorado's historical record against Eastern Washington to 5-0. Overall, the game showcased Colorado's resilience and depth as they utilized bench strength effectively to secure a decisive win as a confidence booster at the beginning of the season.