Da Silva leads Colorado to 90-63 upset over No. 15 Miami in Brooklyn
Tristan da Silva needed a statement game this season and got one on the biggest stage as Colorado blew out No. 15 Miami, 90-63, as part of the NABC Brooklyn Showcase at the Barclays Center in New York.
The Buffs forward was just shy of a triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. He ended the day as one of six CU players in double figures, including KJ Simpson with 20 points and five assists. A great day shooting for Colorado, who went 37-of-63 (58.7%) from the field. It wasn't an outstanding effort from beyond the arc, but the Buffaloes dominated in the paint with a 52-30 advantage.
Tad Boyle's team went into the matchup without star freshman Cody Williams. The former McDonald's All-American was ruled out due to a minor wrist injury. Having Williams on the bench meant Colorado needing solid play all the way around. They worked the plan out effectively with the Buffs starters accounting for 75 points and 27 assists.
Colorado outscored Miami 43-17 in the final 14:48 of the game. Another signature win for Boyle, which might push CU into the Top 25 ranking next week. The victory will also factor into CU's NCAA tournament resume going into March.
Miami never found consistency on both sides of the floor. The Hurricanes couldn't find an answer for da Silva on defense and couldn't match his hot streaks on offense. Matthew Cleveland led the 'U' with 17 points and Norchad Omier had 12 points with Wooga Poplar chipping in 11 points as the only Miami players in double figures. Overall, the Hurricanes went 22-of-49 (44.9%) from the field, including 6-of-15 (40%) beyond the arc.
A second loss on the season for Miami who will tumble in tomorrow's rankings. They were riding a two-game winning streak after losing to No. 16 Kentucky two weeks ago.
UP NEXT:
Colorado (7-2) returns home for an in-state matchup with Northern Colorado on Dec. 15.
Miami (7-2) looks to bounce back at home vs. La Salle on Dec. 16.