Can Colorado’s Late Season Surge Secure A March Madness Spot?
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March has arrived, signaling the homestretch of the college basketball regular season. With it comes a whirlwind of speculation and anticipation regarding which teams will secure their spots in the NCAA tournament. Among the teams shrouded in uncertainty, Colorado stands out. The burning question is: Can Colorado secure a tournament bid by winning their upcoming games against Oregon and Oregon State, or is clinching the PAC12 tournament a must? Furthermore, would a loss in the PAC12 championship still leave the door open for an invitation?
This inquiry is particularly relevant for a Colorado team whose season has been characterized by dramatic highs and lows. Currently, the Buffaloes boast a 20-9 record, including a notable victory against a then No. 15 ranked Miami, which now stands at a more modest 15-14. Home wins over Washington State and Utah have bolstered their resume, yet a win against Oregon this Thursday would significantly enhance their tournament credentials.
Colorado's roster is brimming with talent, featuring three potential NBA draft picks: Cody Williams, Tristan Da Silva, and KJ Simpson. It's rare for a team so talented to risk missing out on the tournament. The Buffaloes have shown their prowess at home, maintaining a formidable 16-1 record, with their sole defeat coming at the hands of Arizona. However, their performance on the road, with a 2-7 record, highlights their vulnerability away from home, a fact underscored by ESPN placing them among the first four teams out.
The team's most challenging period came in early January, marked by a 47-point loss to Arizona and subsequent unexpected defeats to Arizona State and Cal. Despite these setbacks, the Buffaloes, even when hampered by injuries, were expected to outperform both ASU and Cal based on their roster's strength.
Looking ahead, Colorado's success in their final two road games may hinge on the availability of Cody Williams and Julian Hammond. Williams, a former McDonald’s All-American, has navigated through a series of injuries in his freshman year, appearing in 18 of Colorado's 29 games and averaging 13.7 points. His potential return against Oregon, where he previously scored 23 points, could be pivotal. With Williams and Hammond potentially back on the court, and if Colorado can clinch their last two games and make a strong showing in the PAC12 tournament, the possibility of an NCAA tournament bid remains within reach.