The Buffs Head to Tucson to Take on the #10 Arizona Wildcats
After starting conference play 2-0 with big wins against the Washington Huskies and Washington State Cougars, the Buffs (11-2) look to keep the streak going as they take on the #1 ranked team in the PAC-12 and #10 ranked team in the nation Arizona Wildcats (10-3).
Hot off of being named the National Player of the Week by digital reporter and analyst Andy Katz, Junior guard KJ Simpson, who scored a career-high 34 points in his last outing, looks to keep his dominant play rolling into McKale Memorial Center. The Buffaloes as a whole are shooting an astounding 51.8% from the field, where they are ranked 24th, and 40.8% from deep, where they are ranked 7th. With help on both ends of the floor from Junior guard Julian Hammond III and Senior center Eddie Lampkin Junior, Colorado is ranked 29th nationally in offensive and defensive efficiency according to Kenpom. While the Buffs struggled earlier in the season to close out games, they have done a tremendous job finding ways to win. Defensive rotations are clicking, the ball is moving fluidly, and everyone is playing with an abundance of confidence. It is easy to tell from a spectator’s standpoint that this team has a lot of chemistry and loves playing together.
On the other side of the floor, the Arizona Wildcats are coming off a tough loss to a gritty Stanford team. With that game being their 3rd loss in their last five games, the Wildcats are looking to bounce back at home and get some momentum rolling heading into the heart of conference play. Senior guard Caleb Love leads the way for the Wildcats averaging 17.4 ppg while shooting 42.1% from the field. His supporting cast includes Senior 7’0” center Oumar Ballo and Senior guard Pelle Larsson. Ballo, who is averaging 13.2 ppg and 8.2 rpg poses to be a tough offensive and defensive threat to Colorado.
CBS Sports has the spread for tonight's actions at -14.5 in favor of the Wildcats. Being just on the cusp of an AP Top 25 ranking, the Buffaloes are seeking a huge win to cement themselves as one of the better teams in the country. Tonight’s game will be available to watch on ESPN, with tip-off at 9:30 pm EST.