Buffs knock off Dons, next up Washington in Acrisure Holiday Classic

The Colorado Buffaloes woke up hungry on Thanksgiving. It wasn’t the mid-season tournament we’re used to — the Buffs were wide awake, eager for a challenge, and more than capable of defeating the very good San Francisco Dons.

The Dons presented themselves as a matchup problem for the Buffs. They’re a slow-paced, guard-driven team that’s experienced, disciplined and used to winning, having reached the NIT the last two years with mostly the same squad as the 2025-26 team.

Things favored USF early. Ryan Beasley controlled the pace, the forwards got to the rim and the wings hit some shots. They did just enough on defense to goad CU into semi-contested looks without conceding free throws.

Yet each time the Dons separated, the Buffs would answer with a big shot of their own. First it was Bangot Dak, then Barrington Hargress, and then it was freshman Isaiah Johnson getting into the paint. (The chemistry between Hargress and Dak will only get better and that should frighten teams.)

Colorado found their rhythm late in the first half and never slowed down. Everyone looked so fluid out there, playing as team, making unselfish decisions and feeding off each other’s energy to keep it going. It’s difficult to highlight any one player because it really was a team effort.

CU didn’t take full control until there was about five minutes left in the game. Felix Kossaras hit a three to go up 68-61, then Sebastian Rančík made another to take the 10-point lead. USF attempted a full-court press, but CU withstood the pressure, ultimately sealing the 79-69 win with a Hargress-to-Dak alley-oop.

The Buffs will now face the Washington Huskies on Friday. The game between former Pac-12 rivals will air on TruTV at 2:30 P.M. (MT). Danny Sprinkle’s UW is a young team loaded with NBA talent, none better than German freshman Hannes Steinbech.