The Colorado Buffaloes bubble hopes took a hit last week as they were swept in Los Angeles against the Trojans and Bruins, but they’ll have a chance to get back on track this week as they host Arizona and Arizona State.
Tad Boyle‘s Buffs may not be dead in the water, but here are three reasons for concern:
1.) Poor Guard Play
Turnovers have been a problem for the Buffs all season but they were especially problematic during this most recent road trip, where CU’s guards showed little regard for the ball. Arizona and Utah don’t necessarily pressure you on the perimeter, but they’re patient defensive teams, perfectly happy to wait until you make a mistake on your own to capitalize on it.
2.) ‘Cats and Utes Hitting Their Stride
Speaking of those teams, both are hitting their stride right now. Just a month ago, would many people have favored the Wildcats in Boulder? The answer, by the way, is no. At this point though, Arizona is indeed favored, meaning that the Buffs will have to put together their best home performance of the season to hold home-court, because getting a win in Salt Lake City hasn’t happened for them in years.
3.) Closing Power
Even when the Buffs have put together big leads, recently against Washington and USC where they led by double-digits late in the second half, they’ve surrendered those leads. Against UW, they barely hung on despite every effort not to. Against USC, there was a 22 point swing in seven minutes, sending Colorado out of the Galen Center asking what just hit them.
