The Colorado Buffaloes are set to face the Utah Utes this Wednesday in Salt Lake City, hoping to turn around their fate after a challenging stretch of losses. As they enter the Pac-12 matchup, the Buffaloes are dealing with the weight of a 10-game losing streak, while the Utes are looking to expand their robust performance on home turf.
Utah's team proves formidable on their own court, boasting an impressive 11-3 home record. Currently, they rank fifth in college basketball with an average of 18.5 assists per game, showcasing strong team dynamics. Leading the team's assists is Miro Little, who averages 3.8 assists per game, contributing significantly to their cohesive play.
In contrast, the Colorado Buffaloes have struggled against Big 12 rivals, standing 0-11 in conference play. However, they have managed to hold their ground in close games, achieving a 2-2 record in matchups decided by less than four points.
Despite their struggles, Colorado has shown efficiency in their shooting, with a season shooting percentage of 45.7%. This is notably better than Utah’s opponents’ average of 40.4%. However, Utah’s capacity for making three-point shots, averaging 8.6 per game, is only slightly higher than the 7.9 per game that Colorado typically concedes.
This upcoming game marks the first encounter between these two teams this season in conference play, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling game. The Utes will rely on their top performers, Gabe Madsen, who averages 15 points and 2.4 rebounds per game, and Ezra Ausar, who's contributing 11.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game over their last 10 games.
Meanwhile, for the Buffaloes, Julian Hammond III shines as a key player, averaging 13.5 points and 3.4 assists, with Trevor Baskin adding 9.3 points on average in recent games. Despite facing tough competition, Colorado hopes to channel their key players' performance to break the current losing spell.
Reviewing their last 10 games statistics, the Utes have managed a 4-6 record, averaging 64.7 points and showcasing defensive prowess with 4.9 blocks per game. Conversely, the Buffaloes, having not won a game in their last 10 outings, are averaging 66.4 points, aiming to tighten their defense to limit opposition scoring.
This match represents more than just a game for the Buffaloes — it is an opportunity to reset their season's narrative against a powerful conference contender. As excitement builds, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Colorado can seize this moment to rebalance their standing within the Big 12.