The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team is set to face the Utah Utes on January 10, 2024, aiming for their second consecutive victory in the Big 12 Conference. After a promising start this season, the Buffs look to build on their recent success, having secured a hard-fought win against Arizona State, marking their first Big 12 road victory since returning to the conference.
In a recent interview, head coach Tad Boyle expressed his focus on the upcoming matchup rather than looking too far ahead. “Let’s just figure out how to beat Utah,” he stated. Boyle emphasized the importance of maintaining a level-headed approach, stating, “If I start looking ahead at our schedule, I’ll become neurotic.” His philosophy centers on the need for continuous improvement rather than getting caught up in the emotional highs and lows tied to wins and losses.
As the Buffs prepare for their first home game of the conference season, the stakes are high. With a record of 11-3 overall and 1-0 in the Big 12, the team is eager to capitalize on the momentum gained from their recent road victory. The Utes, currently at 8-6 and 0-1 in the conference, are looking to regroup after a disappointing loss to the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats, who defeated them 97-78.
Statistical Showdown and Team Dynamics
Both teams come into this game with defensive struggles. The Buffs rank 14th in the Big 12 for scoring defense, allowing an average of 78.2 points per game, while the Utes are slightly worse at 78.8 points. This matchup may lead to another high-scoring affair, following the Buffs’ recent 95-89 victory over Arizona State.
CU forward Sebastian Rancik noted the significance of their recent win, stating, “Winning on the road was good. It just gives us some momentum.” The Buffs have demonstrated the ability to score heavily, with five of their fourteen games this season featuring both teams scoring over 80 points. This trend could continue against a Utes team that has shown vulnerabilities in their defense this season.
While the Buffs have faced challenges on the defensive end, their offense has generally been strong, with only one sub-par performance this season during a loss to Stanford. CU guard Isaiah Johnson expressed optimism regarding their ability to carry the confidence from their last game into the matchup against Utah. “It should definitely lead over to the next game,” he emphasized.
Game Details and Key Players
The game will tip off at 19:00 local time at the CU Events Center, with live coverage available on ESPN+ and KOA 850 AM. The Buffs are looking to extend their winning streak against Utah, having won their last three home meetings with the Utes.
Key players to watch include Utah’s Terrence Brown, who averages 21.8 points per game, and Don McHenry, contributing 18.1 points per game. For Colorado, Johnson leads the team with an average of 15.9 points per game, supported by Barrington Hargress and Sebastian Rancik, both averaging 13.6 points.
As the Buffaloes look to secure their second win in the Big 12, the atmosphere at the CU Events Center promises to be electric, with fans eager to support their team in this crucial conference clash. Coach Boyle’s commitment to focusing on one game at a time could prove pivotal as they navigate the challenges of a competitive league.
