KU basketball at Colorado game prediction: Can Jayhawks keep rolling away from home?
The No. 23-ranked Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team is set to play Colorado on Monday.
KU blew out Oklahoma State on Saturday, while UC beat Baylor. The Jayhawks defeated the Buffs in Allen Fieldhouse earlier in February.
KU’s AP ranking will likely change when the poll is updated Monday morning. It is possible the Jayhawks will be unranked for the first time since 2021.
Below is a scouting report and prediction of the game.
No. 23 Kansas at Colorado: Game details
When/where: 10 p.m. Central, CU Events Arena (Boulder)
TV/Streaming: ESPN
Opponent’s record: 11-16
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) Ranking: 33
Betting line: Kansas is a 5.5-point favorite
All statistics are from KenPom.com and EvanMiya. KenPom stats only include Division I competition.
Colorado team strengths
Solid defense: The Buffs rank No. 65 in adjusted defensive efficiency (101.3). Adjusted defensive efficiency is the number of points allowed per 100 possessions, adjusted for opponent. KU ranks No. 5 in the same metric.
Free-throw converters: Colorado is great at getting to the free throw line, ranking No. 68 in free throw rate (75.6).
Bench trust: UC ranks No. 13 in bench minutes percentage (42.1%). KU ranks No. 215 in the same metric.
Colorado team weaknesses
No extra chances: Colorado ranks No. 222 in offensive rebounding percentage (21.8).
Turnover problems: The Buffs rank No. 352 in turnover percentage (18.7)
Issues vs. the long ball: Opponents are shooting 33.5% on 3-pointers, ranking No. 179 overall.
Colorado Name to Know
6-foot-2 senior guard Julian Hammond (No. 3)
+ Quality scorer (12.9 PPG)
+ Elite free throw shooter (90.1% at the line)
+ Strong from deep (38.5% on 3-pointers)
+ Solid passer (3.1 APG)
- Not much of a rebounder (2.6 RPG)
Game Prediction
The Jayhawks are coming off a dominant win over Oklahoma State but have lost four straight games on the road in Big 12 play.
This game against Colorado is a big test for KU. The Buffs aren’t very good, but KU has struggled on the road against bad teams in conference play.
The Jayhawks desperately need a decisive win — not only to build off KU’s stellar play vs. OSU, but to help build confidence for a squad that has played .500 ball since mid-January.
The Jayhawks should win as long as they don’t get off to another slow start.
Luckily, the Jayhawks will likely play in front of a somewhat friendly crowd. Coach Bill Self mentioned how well KU fans have traveled in the past for games against Colorado.
It won’t be Allen Fieldhouse, but I do like KU to win and cover.
KU 75, Colorado 67
Shreyas’ pick to cover the spread: Kansas (5.5)
Shreyas’ season record: 21-6
Shreyas’ record against the spread: 15-12
KU Player to Watch: Flory Bidunga
KU freshman Flory Bidunga had himself a game vs. Oklahoma State. He grabbed 16 rebounds and blocked three shots — in only 21 minutes.
It was one of Bidunga’s best games of late. The freshman played with confidence and was a difference-maker, especially on defense.
Let’s see if he builds upon that game vs. the Buffs.
