TEMPE, Ariz. (Interstat) — In a high-octane Big 12 conference opener defined by offensive runs and a staggering display of shot-blocking, the Colorado Buffaloes weathered a fierce challenge from the Arizona State Sun Devils to secure a 95-89 victory on Saturday at Wells Fargo Arena.

The game turned decisively in the final minutes, not with a single shot, but with a relentless parade to the free-throw line by the poised Buffaloes. Leading by just two points with under a minute to play, Colorado closed the game on a 9-5 run, with all nine points coming from the foul line. Isaiah Johnson and Sebastian Rancik combined to sink nine consecutive free throws in the closing 43 seconds to seal the win, capitalizing on a series of Arizona State fouls in the bonus.

Colorado (11-3, 1-0 Big 12) showcased remarkable efficiency despite Arizona State’s intimidating interior defense. The Sun Devils (9-5, 0-1) swatted away 10 shots, led by a towering seven-block performance from 7-foot-1 center Massamba Diop. Yet the Buffaloes countered by drawing fouls and converting at the stripe, making 32 of 38 free throw attempts. Arizona State, by contrast, hit 21 of 27.

The Sun Devils’ defensive prowess and transition game, which generated 32 fastbreak points, kept them in contention throughout. They erased an early deficit and built several small leads in the first half, largely behind the dynamic guard play of Maurice Odum, who finished with 21 points and 12 assists. Diop added 20 points and Allen Mukeba scored 16 for Arizona State.

However, Colorado’s offensive balance and composure proved superior. The Buffaloes placed five players in double figures, led by Sebastian Rancik’s 18 points and six rebounds. Barrington Hargress added 17 points, Isaiah Johnson scored 19, and Bangot Dak posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Colorado shot 49.2% from the field and committed only one more turnover than the Sun Devils, while assisting on nine of their 29 made field goals.

A key divergence came from the perimeter. Arizona State’s reliance on the three-point shot faltered, as they connected on just 6 of 28 attempts. Colorado, while not prolific from deep at 5 for 16, did not need to be, consistently attacking the paint and earning high-percentage looks or fouls.

The victory marked a successful start to conference play for Colorado, which entered as a slight underdog according to pregame odds. The Buffaloes improved to 11-3 overall, while Arizona State fell to 9-5. The teams are scheduled to meet again in Boulder on Feb. 7.

Colorado next hosts Utah on Wednesday. Arizona State travels to face BYU, also on Wednesday.