What's Happening?
The BYU Cougars are set to face the Colorado Buffaloes in a significant basketball matchup on Saturday at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah. This game comes after BYU ended a four-game losing streak with a crucial victory over Baylor. The Cougars, currently ranked 21st in KenPom, are looking to build on their recent success and start a new winning streak. KenPom, a leading college basketball analytics platform, predicts a 90% chance of victory for BYU, with a projected final score of 90-76. The Colorado Buffaloes, ranked 78th in KenPom, are coming off a heavy 78-44 loss to Texas Tech, prompting their coach, Tad Boyle, to challenge his players to improve. The game is considered one of the easier remaining matches for BYU, which is aiming to enhance
its standing and secure a favorable seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Why It's Important?
This matchup is crucial for both teams as they navigate the latter part of their season. For BYU, a victory would not only extend their winning streak but also improve their chances of securing a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Cougars' recent struggles in defense, having dropped from a top 15 ranking to 54th in adjusted defensive efficiency, highlight the importance of this game as a potential turning point. For Colorado, the game represents an opportunity to rebound from a demoralizing loss and prove their resilience. The outcome could significantly impact their morale and performance in upcoming games. Additionally, the game will feature the retirement of Jimmer Fredette’s No. 32 jersey, adding a layer of historical significance and fan engagement.
What's Next?
Following this game, BYU faces a challenging schedule with matches against teams like Arizona and Iowa State. Their performance against Colorado could set the tone for these upcoming contests. A win would bolster their confidence and potentially improve their seeding in the NCAA Tournament, where they are currently projected as a 6-seed. For Colorado, a strong performance could help them regain momentum and improve their standings in the NET and KenPom rankings. Both teams will be looking to capitalize on this game to enhance their postseason prospects.
