Buffaloes Charge into Utah in Must-Win Game
AP Photo/Young Kwak
The Colorado Buffaloes head to Utah tomorrow to take on the Utes. The Buffs aim to disprove the skeptics and accomplish something they have struggled with this season: win on the road. As the season crosses the halfway mark, it becomes increasingly clear that this Colorado team is on the verge of securing a bid to March Madness. The key to clinching it lies in winning and advancing deep into the final PAC-12 Tournament in Las Vegas.
The Buffs will face transfer center Lawson Lovering for the first time. Having played for CU in the past two seasons, Lovering sought a change of scenery and decided to move one state over. So far, he is averaging 7.2 points per game for the Utes, playing a significant role in their offensive scheme, and also averaging 4.5 rebounds per game. Lovering has missed the past few games; it remains to be seen if he will suit up against his former team.
Colorado is keen to improve their away record, which currently stands at 1-5. One of Colorado's strengths this year is their undefeated record at the CU Events Center, winning all games at home. They must transfer that home-court advantage to their road games. Additionally, the offense needs more dynamism. The Colorado offense often relies on isolation plays, where one player takes charge. The team would benefit more from utilizing the pick-and-roll or setting up screen plays to open shots for their shooters.
Cody Williams is rapidly climbing the NBA draft rankings and appears to be a top-5 pick. The team currently in position for that pick is the Portland Trail Blazers. Williams has been averaging 14.7 points per game as a freshman. KJ Simpson, also a potential first-round pick, has entered the top 20 for the Wooden Award, which honors the best men's and women's basketball player in college. Simpson, enjoying a standout season, is averaging 19.2 points, 4.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game, playing a pivotal role in leading the Buffaloes' offense. Last but not least, Tristan Da Silva, another potential first-round pick, aims to continue excelling against the Utes to enhance his draft prospects.
Braden Carlson, the center for the Utes, is averaging 16.7 points per game and around seven rebounds. Eddie Lampkin Jr. faces a challenging matchup against Carlson, who dominates the paint. Senior guard Gabe Madsen, with an average just under 13 points per game, poses an outside threat that the Buffs need to monitor closely.
This game is crucial for the Buffs as they strive to prove their legitimacy to the country. Currently standing at 15-6, a victory is essential for their tournament hopes. The game, set to occur in Utah tomorrow at 3 PM, will be broadcast on the PAC-12 Network. Like all PAC-12 games, this one has the potential to be closely contested. My final score prediction is 71-64 in favor of Colorado.