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Games thread- MEN'S BBall hosts Pacific (Monday, 12/2/24; 7:00 PM MT; ESPN+) and CSU (Sat., 6:00 PM MT; ESPN+)

Victory

6-2

Enjoy this

There's probably going to be a lot of losing ugly this year, so if you're miserable watching us win I can't imagine you're going to enjoy the next 3 months

As the season goes on I think they can be good defensively. Other side of the court though... yeah. So far these guys struggle making layups more than last years team.
 
As the season goes on I think they can be good defensively. Other side of the court though... yeah. So far these guys struggle making layups more than last years team.
We generated a lot of good looks/opportunities, only for the rewarded player to do something stupid like blow the layup, run over a defender, fumble the drive, etc. The 'offense' still works, just need to be smarter/cleaner with the ball. I think we *can* be a decent offensive team

Defense and rebounding... I expected a letdown. I factored for it. Even still, that 1st half was ugly as a dehydrated man's piss. This team has to be the energy team. The team that works the margins. Anything less is doomed for failure where we're headed. So far, I haven't seen enough 'want to' from this bunch. Feet are slow, arms saging, and jumping is ill-timed. There's timidity, rather than furor.
 
We generated a lot of good looks/opportunities, only for the rewarded player to do something stupid like blow the layup, run over a defender, fumble the drive, etc. The 'offense' still works, just need to be smarter/cleaner with the ball. I think we *can* be a decent offensive team

Defense and rebounding... I expected a letdown. I factored for it. Even still, that 1st half was ugly as a dehydrated man's piss. This team has to be the energy team. The team that works the margins. Anything less is doomed for failure where we're headed. So far, I haven't seen enough 'want to' from this bunch. Feet are slow, arms saging, and jumping is ill-timed. There's timidity, rather than furor.
I’m just hoping some of the frosh/sophomores continue to progress as the year continues.

They definitely weren’t ready by season beginning in new roles. Diop couldn’t finish at all, Dak was spending all time on perimeter, and after Ranciks super hot shooting start hasn’t seemed as willing to pull the trigger and struggled defensively.

Having said that 2nd half yesterday was Daks best half this year, Diop is starting to finish around the rim and get fouled, and if Rancik gets any confidence back.

I know it’s a lot but those things help me look forward to 25-26 with a glimmer and I think can help us compete going forward this year.
 
I’m just hoping some of the frosh/sophomores continue to progress as the year continues.

They definitely weren’t ready by season beginning in new roles. Diop couldn’t finish at all, Dak was spending all time on perimeter, and after Ranciks super hot shooting start hasn’t seemed as willing to pull the trigger and struggled defensively.

Having said that 2nd half yesterday was Daks best half this year, Diop is starting to finish around the rim and get fouled, and if Rancik gets any confidence back.

I know it’s a lot but those things help me look forward to 25-26 with a glimmer and I think can help us compete going forward this year.
I loved BDs 2H minutes. Not perfect, but he was in the arena, fighting hard, impacting the action. I still saw timidity, but at least some signs that he was breaking through it.

It's interesting and proper that you brought up the frosh/sophs. I was listening to someone at a game a few weeks ago describe us as a 'young' team -- but, we really aren't. Inexperienced, yes (257th nationally in D1 experience), but our starting 5/6 are four seniors, a junior, and a sophomore. But the development on that second shift -- Assane, BD, Sebi, RJ, Kossaras -- is vital going forward. How many of those earn significant playing time, maintain it, and grow with it, (and stay in the program), will say a lot about where we are next year.
 
I’m just hoping some of the frosh/sophomores continue to progress as the year continues.

They definitely weren’t ready by season beginning in new roles. Diop couldn’t finish at all, Dak was spending all time on perimeter, and after Ranciks super hot shooting start hasn’t seemed as willing to pull the trigger and struggled defensively.

Having said that 2nd half yesterday was Daks best half this year, Diop is starting to finish around the rim and get fouled, and if Rancik gets any confidence back.

I know it’s a lot but those things help me look forward to 25-26 with a glimmer and I think can help us compete going forward this year.
While I agree that the front court is slowly making strides, our guards were tragic again last night. Especially in the 1H and down the stretch. Kossaras needs to RS or should've taken a year a prep school. Hamond was Hammond. Ruffin was hurt. Again. I've said it before - RJ could be the guy, but he needs to start to see if that's the case.

Final thought - Elijah Fisher is a straight BALLER. What the hell is he doing at Pacific?
 
While I agree that the front court is slowly making strides, our guards were tragic again last night. Especially in the 1H and down the stretch. Kossaras needs to RS or should've taken a year a prep school. Hamond was Hammond. Ruffin was hurt. Again. I've said it before - RJ could be the guy, but he needs to start to see if that's the case.

Final thought - Elijah Fisher is a straight BALLER. What the hell is he doing at Pacific?

Kossaras will benefit more from playing for CU this season than he would from redshirting or prepping.

The most concerning thing I've see this season is a complete inability of any Buff defender to stay in front of the ball carrier. Everyone just drives past each Buff at will. If we don't have the athleticism to guard the ball, Tad needs to get he help defense up to speed right f*cking now.
 
While I agree that the front court is slowly making strides, our guards were tragic again last night. Especially in the 1H and down the stretch. Kossaras needs to RS or should've taken a year a prep school. Hamond was Hammond. Ruffin was hurt. Again. I've said it before - RJ could be the guy, but he needs to start to see if that's the case.

Final thought - Elijah Fisher is a straight BALLER. What the hell is he doing at Pacific?

I was wondering that myself, so I looked it up.

Was a 4-star on Rivals/247. 247 had him the 58th player in his class, originally signed with Texas Tech. Only got one start with them and limited minutes, however, then went to DePaul where he did OK and that program is terri-bad. They got a new head coach this past offseason, so he bolted again. Smart was an assistant at Tech (though I think they were only in the program together briefly) and has deep ties with the Canadian National Team, so it was, probably, an easy sell?
 
We generated a lot of good looks/opportunities, only for the rewarded player to do something stupid like blow the layup, run over a defender, fumble the drive, etc. The 'offense' still works, just need to be smarter/cleaner with the ball. I think we *can* be a decent offensive team

Defense and rebounding... I expected a letdown. I factored for it. Even still, that 1st half was ugly as a dehydrated man's piss. This team has to be the energy team. The team that works the margins. Anything less is doomed for failure where we're headed. So far, I haven't seen enough 'want to' from this bunch. Feet are slow, arms saging, and jumping is ill-timed. There's timidity, rather than furor.

For sure. The looks are there inside and out. Driving the paint and getting to the rim, getting open looks on the perimeter, the mid-range, etc. It's all there. Outside of maybe Jak we don't seem to have anyone that can be a consistent scoring threat. In addition to missed layups they're also passing up a lot of open looks. To be expected I guess.
 
Kossaras will benefit more from playing for CU this season than he would from redshirting or prepping.

The most concerning thing I've see this season is a complete inability of any Buff defender to stay in front of the ball carrier. Everyone just drives past each Buff at will. If we don't have the athleticism to guard the ball, Tad needs to get he help defense up to speed right f*cking now.
Tad was noticeably upset last night during his radio comments after the game. Made several references to seniors who still don't understand the basics of his defense (when to help vs when to stay) saying it led directly to several 3's by Pacific. Tad also went on to say if you're willing to defend, rebound, and run the offense, he's got more minutes than you can handle available.

This team doesn't have a single player that the other players look to in key spots or has some form of leadership qualities. Nobody is an aggressive scorer, CU doesn't have a consistent stopper on defense, and very few aggressive players. Jakimovski is the closest in all categories, Baskin has flashes, and RJ just needs the confidence and assertiveness to make a huge leap, talent is there.
 
Tad was noticeably upset last night during his radio comments after the game. Made several references to seniors who still don't understand the basics of his defense (when to help vs when to stay) saying it led directly to several 3's by Pacific. Tad also went on to say if you're willing to defend, rebound, and run the offense, he's got more minutes than you can handle available.

This team doesn't have a single player that the other players look to in key spots or has some form of leadership qualities. Nobody is an aggressive scorer, CU doesn't have a consistent stopper on defense, and very few aggressive players. Jakimovski is the closest in all categories, Baskin has flashes, and RJ just needs the confidence and assertiveness to make a huge leap, talent is there.
Again, what the hell was Tad thinking in the offseason. Holy fvck. More than anything we needed to replace the toughness and grit we lost. But instead, we went all in on Hammond and Ruffin being "those guys." They are not "those guys." I kinda dig Baskin, but he plays like that one 6th grade friend we all had that just goes 1000% on the court like a goon and occasionally does something right. Malone can't do his thing because our guards don't initiate the inside/out game. Diop plays for one reason - defense. He scares nobody on offense. And again Tad, why the hell are you letting Dak play as a 3 this year?

Rant over.

We now get a sense of how this team gets up for big home games come Saturday.
 
Tad was noticeably upset last night during his radio comments after the game. Made several references to seniors who still don't understand the basics of his defense (when to help vs when to stay) saying it led directly to several 3's by Pacific. Tad also went on to say if you're willing to defend, rebound, and run the offense, he's got more minutes than you can handle available.

This team doesn't have a single player that the other players look to in key spots or has some form of leadership qualities. Nobody is an aggressive scorer, CU doesn't have a consistent stopper on defense, and very few aggressive players. Jakimovski is the closest in all categories, Baskin has flashes, and RJ just needs the confidence and assertiveness to make a huge leap, talent is there.
I agree RJ's splits are promising if we can add aggression. He played so little last year and got hurt I think there's still a lot of room there. Tad's Jekyl and Hide with Ruff's minutes I think are a direct reflection of his defense, rebounding, and poor shot selection. He was 0/3 in 5 minutes last night, didn't rebound or defend and didn't see the floor again. Just got in and took bad shots.

He mentioned in the radio too getting more on ball minutes for Ruff, and RJ. I think he knows Hammond isn't a good handler of the ball and off ball can set up his shooting which he's at 40% on the year so far. Baskin even had 7 assists last night.

I'd probably try to have our wings rebound and go as much as they can. Baskin and Jakimovski both can and should do that. I think Tad will start having a quicker trigger on rotations and mistakes going forward and hopefully the team learns from them.
 
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Tad was noticeably upset last night during his radio comments after the game. Made several references to seniors who still don't understand the basics of his defense (when to help vs when to stay) saying it led directly to several 3's by Pacific. Tad also went on to say if you're willing to defend, rebound, and run the offense, he's got more minutes than you can handle available.

This team doesn't have a single player that the other players look to in key spots or has some form of leadership qualities. Nobody is an aggressive scorer, CU doesn't have a consistent stopper on defense, and very few aggressive players. Jakimovski is the closest in all categories, Baskin has flashes, and RJ just needs the confidence and assertiveness to make a huge leap, talent is there.

That is a direct callout of Hammond who leaves guys open at the 3 point line all the time with a weak sag that doesn't even help on the driver but leaves him in no man's land.

RJ looked calm and composed in the second half (I missed the first) and his 3pt stroke is nice. Honestly Jak might be our second best ball handler. The lineup who brought us back from down 10 to take the lead for good was RJ, Jak, Baskin, Dak, and Carrington. Swap Malone (foul trouble) for Carrington and that lineup can keep things close in every game. Not sure what Tad is seeing that we aren't in starting JH3 and Diop.
 
Again, what the hell was Tad thinking in the offseason. Holy fvck. More than anything we needed to replace the toughness and grit we lost. But instead, we went all in on Hammond and Ruffin being "those guys." They are not "those guys." I kinda dig Baskin, but he plays like that one 6th grade friend we all had that just goes 1000% on the court like a goon and occasionally does something right. Malone can't do his thing because our guards don't initiate the inside/out game. Diop plays for one reason - defense. He scares nobody on offense. And again Tad, why the hell are you letting Dak play as a 3 this year?

Rant over.

We now get a sense of how this team gets up for big home games come Saturday.

That's a hilarious description of Baskin who nearly had a triple double last night. Love the dude's overall hustle and he has plus skills, just missed some layups last night.

Outside of Malone, we are clearly a well conditioned team and look to run a decent amount, which is fun and cause for optimism.
 
When Malone came out of the game late last night, it looked like he had injured his (shoulder/pec/collar bone) - any word at all about that?
 
Media after last night's victory:

Article -



Direct link - https://cubuffs.com/news/2024/12/2/mens-basketball-buffaloes-rally-to-top-pacific

"
BOULDER — Colorado overcame a 10-point second half deficit and took control with a 29-8 surge Monday as the Buffaloes collected a 75-66 win over Pacific at the CU Events Center.

Tad Boyle's Buffs improved to 6-2 while Pacific dropped to 5-5.

CU's Trevor Baskin flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 13 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Andrej Jakimovski led CU with 17 points, RJ Smith had eight points and seven boards and Bangot Dak had seven points, six assists and four blocks.

Elias Ralph led Pacific with 24 points.

The Buffs fell behind by 11 in the first half, thanks to a 15-0 Pacific run that saw the Tigers hit six straight shots while the Buffaloes missed 10 in a row. CU managed to briefly cut the deficit to four but trailed by nine at the break, 38-29, after the Tigers finished the half with a 5-0 run.

Colorado shot just 10-for-31 in the first half while the Tigers were 14-for-29. Pacific also held a 24-8 edge in the paint in the opening 20 minutes.

But the Buffs finally found their defense while also revving up their offense following the break. After Pacific took a 48-38 lead, the Buffs put together a 15-2 run to take their first lead since early in the game, 53-50, with 11 minutes to play.

Pacific managed to keep it close over the next four minutes before CU finally took firm control, using a 10-0 run to take a 67-56 lead, part of the decisive 29-8 run.

Colorado then held the Tigers at bay over the final minutes for the win.

CU finished shooting just 42 percent (25-for-59) from the floor but the Buffs did hit nine of their 21 3-point tries. After their hot first half, the Tigers finished just 23-for-63 from the floor, including a 9-for-34 effort in the second half.

Pacific did have a 41-40 edge on the board, including 14 offensive rebounds, and also had a 38-30 edge in the paint.

The Buffs returned home from the Maui Invitational, where they played three games in three days, on Thanksgiving. The hangover of the trip was evident in the first half.

"That's not an excuse, but it's a fact, and we've got to be mentally tougher," Boyle said. "It's the mental toughness that we lack right now on the defensive end of the floor. It just is. They (the Tigers) were shooting 80% at the first media timeout. We just had no resistance, there was no pressure … But we did a better job in the second half. We had 20 assists and 10 turnovers, two to one, which is fantastic."
...

DECISIVE MOMENT: After falling behind by 10 in the second half, the Buffs used a 15-2 run to take the lead and never trailed again.

WHAT IT MEANS: Colorado is now 132-41 in non-conference regular season games under Boyle, including a 100-8 record in non-conference home games.

KEY STATISTICS: The Buffs held Pacific to 9-for-34 shooting in the second half while CU shot 15-for-28 from the floor.

NEXT UP: The Buffs play host to in-state rival Colorado State on Saturday in a 6 p.m. game at the CU Events Center (ESPN+).
"
_________________________________________________________________________________

Box score -






 
Media after last night's victory:

Article -



Direct link - https://cubuffs.com/news/2024/12/2/mens-basketball-buffaloes-rally-to-top-pacific

"
BOULDER — Colorado overcame a 10-point second half deficit and took control with a 29-8 surge Monday as the Buffaloes collected a 75-66 win over Pacific at the CU Events Center.

Tad Boyle's Buffs improved to 6-2 while Pacific dropped to 5-5.

CU's Trevor Baskin flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 13 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Andrej Jakimovski led CU with 17 points, RJ Smith had eight points and seven boards and Bangot Dak had seven points, six assists and four blocks.

Elias Ralph led Pacific with 24 points.

The Buffs fell behind by 11 in the first half, thanks to a 15-0 Pacific run that saw the Tigers hit six straight shots while the Buffaloes missed 10 in a row. CU managed to briefly cut the deficit to four but trailed by nine at the break, 38-29, after the Tigers finished the half with a 5-0 run.

Colorado shot just 10-for-31 in the first half while the Tigers were 14-for-29. Pacific also held a 24-8 edge in the paint in the opening 20 minutes.

But the Buffs finally found their defense while also revving up their offense following the break. After Pacific took a 48-38 lead, the Buffs put together a 15-2 run to take their first lead since early in the game, 53-50, with 11 minutes to play.

Pacific managed to keep it close over the next four minutes before CU finally took firm control, using a 10-0 run to take a 67-56 lead, part of the decisive 29-8 run.

Colorado then held the Tigers at bay over the final minutes for the win.

CU finished shooting just 42 percent (25-for-59) from the floor but the Buffs did hit nine of their 21 3-point tries. After their hot first half, the Tigers finished just 23-for-63 from the floor, including a 9-for-34 effort in the second half.

Pacific did have a 41-40 edge on the board, including 14 offensive rebounds, and also had a 38-30 edge in the paint.

The Buffs returned home from the Maui Invitational, where they played three games in three days, on Thanksgiving. The hangover of the trip was evident in the first half.

"That's not an excuse, but it's a fact, and we've got to be mentally tougher," Boyle said. "It's the mental toughness that we lack right now on the defensive end of the floor. It just is. They (the Tigers) were shooting 80% at the first media timeout. We just had no resistance, there was no pressure … But we did a better job in the second half. We had 20 assists and 10 turnovers, two to one, which is fantastic."
...

DECISIVE MOMENT: After falling behind by 10 in the second half, the Buffs used a 15-2 run to take the lead and never trailed again.

WHAT IT MEANS: Colorado is now 132-41 in non-conference regular season games under Boyle, including a 100-8 record in non-conference home games.

KEY STATISTICS: The Buffs held Pacific to 9-for-34 shooting in the second half while CU shot 15-for-28 from the floor.

NEXT UP: The Buffs play host to in-state rival Colorado State on Saturday in a 6 p.m. game at the CU Events Center (ESPN+).
"
_________________________________________________________________________________

Box score -







Tad is so unhappy with this team.
 
Tad is so unhappy with this team.
Rightfully so.

He's not harping on the things we are, which is usually about talent & skill levels which is what it is. He's bitching because they're not doing what they're coached to do: defend, rebound and be assignment-sound on offense. Those things are irrespective of ability and are about focus & effort. If he gets that stuff then he has a chance at cracking the code on the best combos and strategies to win basketball games against teams which have more firepower than we do.
 
Just noticed that there are now current (obviously EARLY) season NET rankings available (at https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/basketball-men/d1/ncaa-mens-basketball-net-rankings). In them, CU is #93 and upcoming opponent CSU is #205.
Once we transition to conference play it will be good to take a look at NET to see where everyone is in the Big 12 and how the conference compares to the ACC, Big East, Big Ten and SEC. Also, which mid-major conferences are on track to snag multiple Dance bids.
 
Its probably posted on social media somewhere that I'm not on, but CU is doing a toy drive during both the Men's and Women's games this weekend.

From e-mail:

"This holiday season, help us make a difference! Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the men's and women's basketball games on Saturday, December 7, and brighten a child's holiday. Donations will be collected at designated drop-off locations at the arena entrances.

Your generosity will support A Precious Child, spreading cheer to families in need. Let’s show the true spirit of Buff Nation and give back together!

Thank you for being part of this special event. Go Buffs! 🖤💛"
 
Preview for tomorrow night's game with the rammies - https://cubuffs.com/news/2024/12/6/...showdown-hardwood-edition-saturday-in-boulder

"

Rocky Mountain Showdown Hardwood Edition Saturday In Boulder​

By: Troy Andre, Associate Director/Athletic Communications

Game 9 - Colorado State, Saturday, December 7, 2024
CU Events Center, Boulder, Colo.
Tip:
6:01 p.m. MT
Watch: ESPN+ (Mark Johnson, Scott Wilke) https://buffs.me/3D3aXNy
Radio: KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM (Jerry Schemmel, Sean Kearney)
Listen Online: Sirius XM 381, SXM App 971
Live Statistics: http://statb.us/b/546203

TOY DRIVE: Colorado Athletics will host its annual Toy Drive, presented by Anthem, Saturday at the men's and women's basketball games. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate at designated drop-off locations at the arena entrances. Your generosity will support A Precious Child, spreading cheer to families in need.

THE BUFFALOES: Colorado is 6-2 overall following a 75-66 win over Pacific on Dec. 2, improving to 5-0 at the CU Events Center this season. The Buffaloes have won their last eight home games dating back to last year and have won 21 of 22 since the beginning of 2023-24.
...

ABOUT THE RAMS: Colorado State is 5-3 overall and winners of its last two after an 83-54 victory over Loyola Marymount on Dec. 4. Saturday's game will be the Rams' first true road game of the season. CSU is 1-2 in neutral site games, highlighted by a 76-72 overtime win over TCU on Nov. 29 in Palm Desert, Calif. Colorado State is averaging 76.6 points per game while shooting 45.4 percent from the field and 71.9 percent from the foul line. The Rams lead the Mountain West Conference in 3-point attempts at 26.8 per game and shoot 31.3 percent beyond the arc. CSU is one of better defensive rebounding teams in the nation, ranking 32nd at 28.6 per game. Defensively, Colorado State allows 70 points per game on 40.9 percent from the field. The Rams are allowing 35.8 percent from 3-point range, ranking near the bottom of the MWC.

Fifth-year wing Nique Clifford leads Colorado State at 18.9 points and 11.0 rebounds per game while shooting 57.3 percent from the field. A former Colorado Buffalo (2020-23), Clifford is the nation's leader in defensive rebounds (9.6 drpg), ranks fifth in overall rebounding average and 13th in double-doubles (four). Senior guard Jalen Lake averages 15.0 points per game and leads the Rams in 3-point field goals with 22 and is shooting 40 percent from long range. Sophomore forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson is third in scoring (9.4 ppg) and second in rebounding (4.8 rpg).

THE SERIES: This will be the 132nd meeting between Colorado and Colorado State with the Buffaloes holding a commanding 92-39 series lead. Colorado State snapped a three-game Buffaloes win streak in the series with an 88-83 decision in Fort Collins last season in the first contest in series history where the Rams were a ranked team. The Buffaloes hold a 55-9 lead in Boulder and have won five of the last seven.
"
_________________________________________________________________________________





 
Preview for tomorrow night's game with the rammies - https://cubuffs.com/news/2024/12/6/...showdown-hardwood-edition-saturday-in-boulder

"

Rocky Mountain Showdown Hardwood Edition Saturday In Boulder​

By: Troy Andre, Associate Director/Athletic Communications

Game 9 - Colorado State, Saturday, December 7, 2024
CU Events Center, Boulder, Colo.
Tip:
6:01 p.m. MT
Watch: ESPN+ (Mark Johnson, Scott Wilke) https://buffs.me/3D3aXNy
Radio: KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM (Jerry Schemmel, Sean Kearney)
Listen Online: Sirius XM 381, SXM App 971
Live Statistics: http://statb.us/b/546203

TOY DRIVE: Colorado Athletics will host its annual Toy Drive, presented by Anthem, Saturday at the men's and women's basketball games. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate at designated drop-off locations at the arena entrances. Your generosity will support A Precious Child, spreading cheer to families in need.

THE BUFFALOES: Colorado is 6-2 overall following a 75-66 win over Pacific on Dec. 2, improving to 5-0 at the CU Events Center this season. The Buffaloes have won their last eight home games dating back to last year and have won 21 of 22 since the beginning of 2023-24.
...

ABOUT THE RAMS: Colorado State is 5-3 overall and winners of its last two after an 83-54 victory over Loyola Marymount on Dec. 4. Saturday's game will be the Rams' first true road game of the season. CSU is 1-2 in neutral site games, highlighted by a 76-72 overtime win over TCU on Nov. 29 in Palm Desert, Calif. Colorado State is averaging 76.6 points per game while shooting 45.4 percent from the field and 71.9 percent from the foul line. The Rams lead the Mountain West Conference in 3-point attempts at 26.8 per game and shoot 31.3 percent beyond the arc. CSU is one of better defensive rebounding teams in the nation, ranking 32nd at 28.6 per game. Defensively, Colorado State allows 70 points per game on 40.9 percent from the field. The Rams are allowing 35.8 percent from 3-point range, ranking near the bottom of the MWC.

Fifth-year wing Nique Clifford leads Colorado State at 18.9 points and 11.0 rebounds per game while shooting 57.3 percent from the field. A former Colorado Buffalo (2020-23), Clifford is the nation's leader in defensive rebounds (9.6 drpg), ranks fifth in overall rebounding average and 13th in double-doubles (four). Senior guard Jalen Lake averages 15.0 points per game and leads the Rams in 3-point field goals with 22 and is shooting 40 percent from long range. Sophomore forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson is third in scoring (9.4 ppg) and second in rebounding (4.8 rpg).

THE SERIES: This will be the 132nd meeting between Colorado and Colorado State with the Buffaloes holding a commanding 92-39 series lead. Colorado State snapped a three-game Buffaloes win streak in the series with an 88-83 decision in Fort Collins last season in the first contest in series history where the Rams were a ranked team. The Buffaloes hold a 55-9 lead in Boulder and have won five of the last seven.
"
_________________________________________________________________________________





Nique is having a crazy year, averaging a 20, 10 double double is absurd
 
Luckily CSU hasn’t replaced Isaiah Steven’s, their offense is literally Jalen Lake and Nique.

If Andrej can make Nique inefficient, and we can rebound well (we’ve got a huge size advantage) we can win this, they have to force feed Malone though he should have a big game if we look for him
All good points. However, our guards absolutely suck so I see a lack of extended defense against their shooters and a lack of getting the ball inside to Malone.
We can't go down big early yet again.
 
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