Colorado Aims to Remain Undefeated at Home as They Take on ASU
The Colorado Buffaloes aim to remain undefeated at home as they host the Arizona State Sun Devils. The Buffaloes have had a peculiar season thus far, demonstrating an ability to defeat any team at home regardless of their strength. At home, the Buffs boast a perfect 12-0 record, but away, they have struggled significantly, with a record of 1-6.
The Sun Devils and Buffaloes have already faced off this season in Tempe, where the Devils emerged victorious by a narrow margin of 3 points, 76-73. The game was closely contested, but the Devils, led by Junior Guard Jamiya Neal, managed to weather the storm and secure the win. Neal contributed 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists, with Adam Miller adding 18 points. The Sun Devils, currently standing at 11-11, have had an inconsistent season and enter this game on a four-game losing streak, their most recent win being against the USC Trojans.
The Buffaloes' loss in Tempe came in the absence of Cody Williams and Julian Hammond. KJ Simpson stepped up with 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while J’Vonne Hadley and Tristan Da Silva also had strong performances, scoring 19 and 17 points, respectively. With the upcoming game on the Buffaloes' court and the return of key players, a different outcome could be on the horizon. The Buffaloes draw a significant amount of energy at home, particularly from center Eddie Lampkin Jr., who thrives on the crowd's support and often ignites the team with crucial plays.
Tonight's game is scheduled to start at 6 PM MST, with several key strategies outlined for the Buffs to secure a win. Firstly, leveraging their height advantage against a smaller Arizona State team by feeding the ball to their big men and dominating rebounds is crucial. Additionally, spreading the ball and maintaining constant motion on offense through off-ball screens and cuts to the basket will be essential. Lastly, harnessing the energy of the home crowd will be vital for the Buffaloes, who are aiming to secure most of the remaining games on their schedule to qualify for the March Madness Tournament. The last appearance for the Buffs in March Madness was in 2020, and the team, as well as the program, are overdue for a return.
The game will take place at 6 PM MST at the CUEC and will be broadcasted on Fox Sports 1. My final score prediction is that the Buffs will take it, 74-58.