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Oregon State Basketball: Opponent Preview- Colorado Buffaloes (Game 20)

A dangerous Colorado team is looking to bounce back after a tough road trip.

By John Severs
NCAA Basketball: Washington at Colorado Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado Buffaloes (11-8)

  • Head Coach: Tad Boyle (Ninth Season)
  • Top Performer: McKinley Wright IV (12.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG)
  • Points For: 75.5 (123rd)
  • Points Against: 69.3 (122nd)
  • Last Game/Streak: 62-75 L vs Stanford (1L)

Last year an inexperienced Colorado team managed big wins over ranked teams, including an Arizona State team that was ranked 4th at the time. Many expected them to take a big step forward this year. That hasn’t happened yet.

Colorado has struggled since the start of their Pac-12 schedule, going 2-5. Colorado doesn’t seem to be able to put a complete game together, often starting strong before collapsing late. This was the story of their loss against Stanford and their near loss against Cal.

The team’s leading scoring is Sophomore Point Guard McKinley Wright IV. After an exciting, breakout freshman year, Wright hasn’t seemed to progressed. His scoring has actually gone down from last season, and his three point shooting has been especially poor (.289).

Colorado is still a dangerous team though, especially on their home court. They sport an excellent front court, and when Wright’s shooting is on point, it’s deadly. In the team’s win over Cal last weekend, Wright’s late three just about sealed the win for the Buffs.

Expect the Buffs to come out hot.

Player to Watch

NCAA Basketball: Washington at Colorado Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Bey (Sophomore) - Bey is the Colorado answer to Tres Tinkle, an athletic G/F who can score from just about anywhere on the court. He doesn’t have the three shooting Tres does, but he’s still a threat from distance. Bey is also the team’s leading rebounder, with 9.2 a game, and has managed 27 blocks and 19 steals so far this season, making him one of the team’s biggest threats defensively.

Both team’s are expected to run Guard heavy lineups, and that may be a point in Oregon State’s favor. I’d give the Thompsons and Tinkles the edge inn that fight, but Colorado is not a team to be underestimated.

Game Info

  • Date: Thursday, January 31st
  • Time: 6:00 PM PT
  • Location: CU Events Center (Boulder, Co)
  • Coverage: Pac-12 Network