Pac-12 Preview: Arizona State Sun Devils (19-6, 8-4) vs. Colorado Buffaloes (19-7, 8-5)
By Andrew Dill
Feb 1, 2014; Boulder, CO, USA; Members of the Colorado Buffaloes react against the Utah Utes in the second half at the Coors Events Center. The Buffaloes defeated the Utes in overtime 79-75. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
CBB Preview: Sun Devils-Buffaloes
The Colorado Buffaloes (19-7, 8-5 in Pac-12 play) are coming off of a win in Los Angeles over the USC Trojans but it wasn’t easy. Colorado played too relaxed towards the end of the game as they allowed USC to get within six. Colorado would eventually hold them off with the win, 83-74. Arizona State on the other hand is coming off of an upset win at home which was against the Arizona Wildcats — who were the #2 team in the nation at the time.
What: PAC-12 Conference Game: vs.
When: Wednesday, February 19th
Where: Coors Event Center
Time: 11:00 PM ET, 9:00 PM MT
TV: ESPNU
The last time these two teams met, Colorado couldn’t get anything going on the offensive end and their defense lacked energy. They would lose by the final score of 72-51 to the Sun Devils at the Wells Fargo Arena. In the second-half of the game, the Sun Devils would pull away as they would knock down 6-of-10 shots from behind-the-arc en route to beating the Buffs.
Without Spencer Dinwiddie (ACL) in the line-up, the Colorado Buffaloes needed someone to step up and Xavier Johnson has done just that. The sophomore forward out of Los Angeles, California has averaged 18.4 points per game, 8.4 rebounds, and 1 steal in the last five games for the Buffs. Josh Scott on the other hand is also a sophomore, has averaged 15.8 points per game, 6.4 rebounds, and 2 blocks in the last five contests.
Players To Watch:
Arizona State Sun Devils:
Jahii Carson, G: Carson is undoubtably one of the best players in the Pac-12 and his stats back it up. He is averaging nearly 19 points per game for the Sun Devils while averaging 20.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 5.4 rebounds in their last five games.
Colorado Buffaloes:
Askia Booker, G: Booker can shoot lights out at times and when he’s on — he’s on. The junior guard out of Los Angeles, California has been a key part of this Buffaloes offense averaging nearly 15.0 points per game. In the Buffaloes last five games, Booker has averaged 19.6 points, 7.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.
Projected Starting Line-Ups:
Arizona State Sun Devils:
PG: Jahii Carson
SG: Jermaine Marshall
SF: Shaquielle McKissic
PF: Eric Jacobsen
C: Jordan Bachynski
Colorado Buffaloes:
PG: Xavier Talton
SG: Askia Booker
SF: Xavier Johnson
PF: Dustin Thomas
C: Josh Scott