Colorado Buffaloes and Washington Huskies, Round Two

AP Photo

Around the halfway point of conference play, the Colorado Buffaloes (14-5, 5-3) are beginning to play their best basketball of the year. On the other side of the ball, the Washington Huskies (11-8, 3-5) are looking to put together a string of wins, starting with this one against the Buffs. When these teams met earlier this season, the Buffs came away with the win 73-69. While this was a close game and came down to the last few possessions, it is important to highlight that Colorado was without Senior forward Tristan Da Silva and Freshman forward Cody Williams. 

After starting conference play 2-3, the Buffaloes have put together three very impressive wins in a row against USC, Oregon, and Oregon State, all of which were defending home court. With a fully healthy lineup for a couple of games now, the team has been playing a very connected form of basketball and visibly improving each game. PAC-12 Freshman of the Week Cody Williams has been a spark plug for this Buffaloes team offensively. Over the three-game home stretch, Williams averaged 17.3 ppg while shooting 59% from the floor. 

The Huskies, who are led by Senior forward Keion Brooks Jr, look to make a statement as they host Colorado on their home floor. Brooks Jr is the team leader in points with 20.2 pg, rebounds with 7.3 pg, and blocks with 0.8 pg. It is clear that the team relies on him for most of their offensive needs and to beat the Buffaloes, he needs to have one of his best games of the season, along with his teammates making shots that they are supposed to make.

The Huskies are shooting 46.2% from the field and 34.3% from three-point land. While their record might not show it, this Husky team is very gritty and very athletic. Their goal for the game should be to slow down the pace for the Buffaloes, limiting their offensive possessions. The Huskies need to look to get out in transition and be able to convert to wear down this fast-paced Colorado team. 

This PAC-12 matchup will tip off January 24 at 11:00 pm EST from the Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion and will be available to watch on ESPNU.