Colorado Faces Boise State In First Four of NCAA Tournament

David Mashinsky/Mash Sports Media

Tonight, Wednesday March 20th, the Colorado Buffaloes go head to head with the Boise State Broncos in a win or go home match for both teams in the first four of the March Madness tournament. Both teams are the 10 seed, fighting for the opportunity to face Florida in the round of 64 on Friday.

Colorado is coming off of a loss to Oregon, an important loss as a win would have all but guaranteed them entry into the tournament. With that being said, the Buffs had won eight on the bounce before facing Oregon and will be looking to get their ninth win out of ten, coming into the game as 2.5 point favorites. The Buffaloes come in with one of their healthiest possible teams, and look for star defender Eddie Lampkin and forward Tristan Da Silva to continue their dominant runs of form if Colorado is to get a result in this game.

Boise has been on a similar good run of form, looking for their seventh win in nine games and coming off of a loss to New Mexico. The Broncos field one of the more experienced rosters in the Mountain West, led by forward Tyson Degenhart, who was named to the Mountain West All Conference First Team this year; as well as O’Mar Stanley, who is shooting 55 percent from the field this season. Boise comes into this game as slight underdogs, and will need their star players to take control if they are to have a chance.

Anticipate the Buffaloes to use their signature physical, free flowing style of play, while the Broncos will likely continue their efficient and fast play that has worked well this season. This will be a tightly contested game, and the fireworks are sure to explode. I take Colorado winning this one by less than five points in a true physical and mental war on both ends of the court.