The CU Buffs are gearing up for an exciting matchup against Portland State, marking their third encounter with a Big Sky Conference opponent this season. The game will take place at the CU Events Center on Wednesday night, starting at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
CU Buffs’ Performance this Season
The Buffs have had a solid start to their season, boasting a 9-1 record. They opened with victories over Montana State and Eastern Washington, both teams hailing from the Big Sky Conference.
Head Coach’s Insight
Coach Tad Boyle recognizes the competitiveness of the Big Sky, noting, “Portland State’s a good team. The Big Sky’s a good league.” He emphasizes the importance of this matchup in assessing the team’s progress since early November. Boyle points out that Portland State’s top players are talented enough to compete beyond their conference.
Portland State Vikings Overview
Portland State enters the game with a record of 6-3, but it’s important to consider that three of these wins came against lower-division teams. Their losses in the series against current Big 12 members have been challenging, with a 2-13 record historically. Both victories were secured against Arizona State when the Sun Devils were part of the Pac-10.
Rankings and Statistics
- CU is currently ranked 46th in the NET rankings.
- Portland State holds the 187th position.
- The Vikings force an average of 14.7 turnovers per game, leading the Big Sky in this category.
- Portland State reached a program milestone with their recent victory against Division III George Fox, marking their 900th win.
Upcoming Matches
The Buffs are not done facing Big Sky teams. They will conclude their nonconference schedule with a home game against Northern Colorado on December 28. This game presents another opportunity for CU to test their capabilities against familiar foes.
As the CU Buffs prepare for this key matchup with Portland State, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see how the team performs against formidable opposition once again.
