What's Happening?
Tad Boyle, the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, is gearing up his team for a game against Portland State. This marks the first time Boyle will face the Vikings since he took over the Colorado program
in 2010. The Buffaloes, currently holding a 9-1 record, are in the midst of their final nonconference games before starting their Big 12 schedule on January 3. Their only loss this season was to in-state rival Colorado State, but they rebounded with a decisive 88-64 victory over UTSA. Freshman Isaiah Johnson leads the team in scoring, averaging 14.7 points per game, supported by four other players averaging double figures. Portland State, with a 6-3 record, has been performing well, winning five of their last six games. They are led by senior Terri Miller Jr., who averages 17.5 points per game. The Vikings are set to play one more nonconference game before entering the Big Sky Conference schedule.
Why It's Important?
This matchup is significant as it serves as a preparatory ground for both teams before they enter their respective conference schedules. For Colorado, maintaining momentum and refining strategies against a competitive team like Portland State is crucial for their upcoming Big 12 games. The performance of key players like Isaiah Johnson will be pivotal in setting the tone for the rest of the season. For Portland State, facing a strong opponent like Colorado provides an opportunity to test their skills and strategies, particularly for their senior players who are leading the team. The outcome of this game could influence team morale and readiness as both teams transition into more challenging conference play.
What's Next?
Following this game, Colorado will continue with their nonconference schedule before starting their Big 12 games on January 3. The team will focus on maintaining their strong performance and addressing any weaknesses observed during the game against Portland State. For Portland State, they will have one more nonconference game before diving into the Big Sky Conference schedule on January 1. Both teams will likely use these games to finalize their strategies and player rotations in preparation for the more competitive conference matches ahead.
