Colorado basketball aims to reclaim victory over Northern Colorado in their final nonconference game of the season. The matchup occurs following a disappointing loss to Stanford, where the Buffaloes underperformed and succumbed 77-68. Head Coach Tad Boyle has emphasized the importance of this game to regain momentum before entering the Big 12 Conference play.
Team Preparations and Performance
The Buffaloes had a chance to refocus over the holiday break but returned to a sobering review of the Stanford game. Boyle described his feelings post-vacation, stating that his holiday cheer was overshadowed by frustrations about the team’s performance. Forward Sebastian Rancik noted the need to move past the Stanford loss and focus on improvement.
Boyle made a strategic decision to schedule this final nonconference game against Northern Colorado to build up the team’s competitive spirit. Last year’s return from the holidays was marked by a tough opener against Iowa State, while this year presents a more favorable matchup for the Buffs.
Northern Colorado Bears: Overview
Northern Colorado, coached by Steve Smiley, brings a 9-3 record into Boulder. The Bears are notable for their strong three-point shooting, averaging 28.8 attempts per game with a 37.1% success rate from beyond the arc. Key players include:
- Quinn Denker (17.3 points per game, 6.1 assists)
- Brock Wisne (16.8 points per game, 6.2 rebounds)
- Zach Bloch (13.2 points per game)
- Ibu Yamazaki (9.0 points per game)
Denker, the team’s leading scorer, and Wisne have missed recent games due to injuries, adding uncertainty to their lineup. Wisne has, however, been particularly impressive, averaging 28 points over his last two outings.
Colorado Buffaloes: Key Players
The Buffs enter this matchup with a solid lineup featuring:
- Isaiah Johnson (14.8 points per game)
- Sebastian Rancik (13.2 points per game)
- Barrington Hargress (13.0 points per game)
- Bangot Dak (11.1 points per game)
Coach Boyle has guided Colorado through 16 seasons and holds an overall record of 322-206. He aims to lead the Buffs past Northern Colorado to build confidence before starting the Big 12 play against Arizona State.
Game Details
The Buffaloes host the Northern Colorado Bears at the CU Events Center at 1 p.m. this Sunday. The matchup will be broadcast on ESPN+ and KOA 850 AM. CU leads the all-time series 25-18, having won the last 13 encounters, including a double-overtime thriller in their last meeting.
Looking Ahead
This game not only serves as a final test before starting the tough schedule of conference play but also as an opportunity for the Buffaloes to bounce back. With past experiences against Northern Colorado serving as motivation, Colorado basketball aims to reclaim the victory they seek.
