Preview article for today's game -
https://cubuffs.com/news/2021/11/30/mens-basketball-boyles-buffs-set-for-matchup-at-no-5-ucla.aspx
"
LOS ANGELES — Before the season ever started, Colorado coach
Tad Boyle looked at the schedule and knew this week would be a big one for the Buffaloes.
Three games in seven days, with two Pac-12 contests and two games against top 25 foes in the mix.
Sunday evening, the Buffs took care of the first part of the stretch, holding off Stanford for an 80-76 win at home to improve to 6-1 overall and 1-0 in the Pac-12.
But the task becomes much more difficult beginning Wednesday, when the Buffs travel to Los Angeles for a 7:30 p.m. (MT) meeting with No. 5 UCLA at Pauley Pavilion (Pac-12 Networks). Then comes a noon matchup Saturday at home against No. 13 Tennessee.
"That's why (Sunday's) game was so important," Boyle said. "I know what's on the horizon. All you can ask for in life is an opportunity."
Wednesday's game against the Bruins is no doubt a big opportunity for Boyle's young Buffs. Coming off a season that saw UCLA make a surprising run to the Final Four, Mick Cronin's team was ranked No. 2 in the nation early until absorbing an 83-63 loss to Gonzaga last week. But UCLA also owns a win over Villanova already this season, and with a group that returns nearly every key player from a year ago — as well as some important additions — it's no wonder the Bruins were a near-unanimous pick to win the conference title this season.
"We've got to put our hard hats on," Boyle said. "UCLA, they don't beat themselves. You're going to have to make plays, play with mental toughness. They're not going to give you anything, you have to earn everything."
The Buffs have had decent success against UCLA in recent seasons. Colorado split with the Bruins last year, losing early in the conference season by three points at Pauley Pavilion before collecting a nine-point victory at home late in the year.
...
"