Preview: Georgia Bulldogs vs. #21 Colorado Buffaloes
By Andrew Dill
Dec 21, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Spencer Dinwiddie (25) dribbles the ball against Oklahoma State guard Markel Brown (22) during the second game of the MGM Grand Showcase at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Oklahoma won the game 78-73. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Buffaloes (10-2, 0-0 in PAC-12) look to bounce back from a loss to the Oklahoma State Cowboys last Saturday. The Georgia Bulldogs (6-4, 0-0 in SEC) come to town and will face a potent Buffaloes squad at the Coors Event Center.
What: College Basketball: Georgia Bulldogs vs. #21 Colorado Buffaloes
When: Saturday, December 28th
Where: Coors Event Center, Boulder, Colorado
Time: 10:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM MT
TV: PAC-12 Network
The Colorado Buffaloes ten-game win streak was snapped last Saturday by one of the top team’s in the country. Colorado hung around in the game despite playing poorly. They allowed the Cowboys to shoot 61.9% percent from field in the second half and only lost by five points. Marcus Smart was the most known player heading into the game for the Cowboys, but Markel Brown came out hot, finishing with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists, recording a double-double. Here is what Buffaloes head coach Tad Boyle said about the team’s performance in the second half:
"“For whatever reason, we’ve got to figure out a way to score when we’re not getting to the free throw line. That’s frustrating,” Colorado coach Tad Boyle said. “When you allow a team to shoot 65 percent in the second half, it is going to be tough to beat them.”"
Here is more from head coach Tad Boyle about the loss:
"“To play the No. 7 team in the country and not feel good about it, but still only lose by five points, there’s something about this team,” Boyle said. “There’s a lot of fight in them. They keep coming.”"
This home game against the Georgia Bulldogs is the last non-conference game on the schedule for the Colorado Buffaloes. They will open up PAC-12 play next year on January 2nd at home against the Oregon State Beavers. A win tonight will give them some momentum heading in to conference play.
Georgia is towards the bottom of the SEC standings, sitting at 6-4 on the season, but they have however won five-straight games after losing four consecutive. Georgia’s leading scorer is sophomore guard Charles Mann, who is averaging 13.4 points per game, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Meanwhile, junior guard Spencer Dinwiddie leads the Buffaloes, averaging around 15.7 points per game, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists.
Projected Starting Lineups:
Georgia Bulldogs:
PG: Juwan Parker
SG: Kenny Gaines
SF: Charles Mann
PF: Donte’ Williams
Colorado Buffaloes:
PG: Spencer Dinwiddie
SG: Askia Booker
SF: Xavier Johnson
PF: Wesley Gordon
C: Josh Scott