No. 2 Arizona Basketball looks to stay hot against Colorado

Now winners of nine-straight games, No. 2 Arizona Basketball (25-2, 14-1), look to continue their hot streak as they take on Colorado (18-10, 10-8).

Arizona Basketball is rolling! Up to No. 2 in the country and riding a current, nine-game winning streak, the Wildcats look prime to make a deep Tournament run as March approaches. However, Arizona needs to take care of business first.

The Wildcats enter Saturday evening as the No. 1 team in the Pac-12 with just four games remaining on the regular-season schedule, and Arizona has a great opportunity to continue to build their resume as a potential No. 1 seed.

With a marquee game against the Trojans looming on Tuesday evening, Arizona cannot overlook a talented Colorado team that will be hungry for the upset, as well as hungry to avenge their big loss to Arizona State just days prior.

Hopefully, Tommy Lloyd and the Wildcats stay sharp from the start as the Wildcats look to continue their winning ways as they take on Colorado!

Getting to Know the details of Arizona Basketball’s opponent, the Colorado Buffaloes.

Team: Colorado Buffaloes

Conference: Pac-12 Conference

2020-21 Record: Finishing the year with a 23-9 (14-6) record in 2020-21, the Buffaloes ended up as the No. 3 team in the conference. Colorado then went to the NCAA Tournament as the No. 5 seed before losing to Florida State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Head Coach: Tad Boyle is entering his 12th season with the Buffaloes and has compiled a 251–153 (106–92) in Boulder with five NCAA Tournament appearances. In addition, Boyle has a 307–219 record overall after previously serving as head coach at Northern Colorado from 2006-10.

Keys to the Game:

Eyes on the Prize – The regular season is quickly wrapping up, and the Wildcats still sit comfortably atop the Pac-12 standings. With four games to play (not including this one), Arizona has a great opportunity to further cement themselves as a No. 1 seed, as well as win the conference outright.

Against Colorado, the Wildcats have to stay focused and play as if there is a lot on the line because there is! Should they continue to play with a sense of urgency and focus, they should come away with the win here!

No Slow Starts – Arizona is notorious for having slow starts. Against weaker opponents, that might be okay; however, against an opportunist team like Colorado, that cannot happen if they expect to win, especially since they are playing on the road.

So as the Wildcats continue their tough road trip, Arizona will need to be ready from the tip and avoid yet another slow start. Should the Wildcats take care of business from the tip, they are going to be tough to beat.

Protect the Basketball – Arizona plays at a fast pace, averaging 75.7 possessions per game. On the flip side of that, they are averaging 13.6 turnovers per game.

As a team, the Buffaloes average 5.4 steals per game, and they force teams to 12.0 turnovers per game. Against Colorado, the Wildcats will need to protect the basketball if they are going to win. More opportunities for the Buffaloes to stay in this one simply cannot happen.

Arizona Basketball versus the Colorado Buffaloes game information and details:

Date: Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022

Time: 6:00 P.M. MST / 5:00 P.M. PST

Location: CU Events Center, Boulder, Colo. (11,064)

Spread: -10.0 Arizona (Also, don’t forget to use WynnBet to enhance your overall betting experience)

Television: ESPN2

Radio: 107.5 FM (Tucson) / 1290AM (Tucson) | Arizona IMG Sports Network

Team Records:

No. 2 Arizona Wildcats (25-2, 15-1): It has been nine days since Arizona last played a game but after their short break, the Wildcats look to stay sharp against a talented Colorado squad that comes to town.

Colorado Buffaloes (18-10, 10-8):Entering this game fresh off a big loss to Arizona State on Thursday evening, the Buffaloes will look to get back on track as they take on No. 2 Arizona, who are winners of nine straight games.

Head-to-Head Record (since 1949-50): Since 1949-50, Arizona has had the upper hand in this head-to-head matchup, owning a 22-15 advantage over Colorado with 15 wins in the last 20 matchups.

Last Meeting vs. Arizona: The last time the Wildcats played the Buffaloes was in Tucson in January. The Wildcats came away with the dominant win, topping the Buffaloes 76-55.

My Prediction: Arizona 87 Colorado 75 – The Buffaloes got steamrolled at home, shooting just 38.9 percent from the field, and 25.9 percent from three. Against Arizona, I see them shooting the ball much better. Unfortunately for them, I think the Wildcats are far too skilled and talented for the Buffaloes as they escape Boulder with the win.