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Josh Scott’s off to a good start as Colorado adjusts to life without Andre Roberson

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The big question for the Colorado Buffaloes entering the 2013-14 season was how they would go about accounting for the early departure of Andre Roberson. The Pac-12’s best defender, Roberson grabbed more than 11 rebounds per game as a junior and left Boulder as one of the most productive front court players in school history.

With that being the case, players such as sophomores Josh Scott and Xavier Johnson will need to raise their production of the Buffaloes are to factor into the Pac-12 race. And through two games Scott, who transformed his body during the offseason in order to be better equipped to handle physical play, has been a factor for Tad Boyle’s team.

After accounting for 15 points and 11 rebounds in Colorado’s 72-60 loss to Baylor on Friday night, Scott posted 15 points and eight rebounds in the Buffaloes’ 91-65 win over Tennessee-Martin on Sunday afternoon. Scott was one of four Colorado starters to score in double figures, with freshmen Jaron Hopkins and Dustin Thomas adding nine points apiece off the bench.

After struggling mightily from the field on Friday night Colorado shot 59.2% from the field (they scored 44 points in the paint), and while the caliber of opponent wasn’t as strong Boyle’s bunch did a better job of working to find quality looks for much of the game.

Scott won’t be the only interior player Colorado leans on this season, with Colorado arguably being deeper inside than they were a season ago. Redshirt freshman Wesley Gordon, expected by many to be an impact newcomer, finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and two blocks, displaying the athleticism and activity needed to make good on the preseason promise. And sophomore Xavier Johnson bounced back from a tough opener, scoring 12 points, grabbing four rebounds and dishing out three assists in the win.

There are still concerns for Colorado, most notably perimeter shooting after making five of their 14 three-point attempts and Askia Booker still dealing with a slump before knocking down a pair of shots in the second half. But the talent’s there as well, and if Scott can continue to show signs of growth Colorado’s chances of contending get stronger.

Follow @raphiellej