Despite all the success Oregon basketball has enjoyed in recent years, one thing that has eluded the program is a win at the CU Events Center. The Ducks are 0-9 all time there, and will get another chance to beat the Buffaloes on Thursday night in Boulder.
Though Oregon won’t have to deal with the ruckus of a crowd, it will have to shut down a Colorado offense that features six of the top eight scorers making at least 40 percent of their 3-point shots. Dallas Walton is hitting 50 percent, with D’Shawn Schwartz at 48, Eli Parquet at 46.2 and Jeriah Horne at 45.9.
Both teams have been solid on defense, each ranking in the top 40 among Division I schools in both points-per-game allowed and points allowed on a per-possession basis.
The Ducks have the edge on the glass, ranking 26th in the nation in rebound rate, but may not be able to set up as many transition opportunities as they are accustomed to. Colorado takes care of the ball, ranking 30th in the country in possessions that lead to a steal for the opposition.
Many times the little things can make or break games, and in tight games and spreads, free throws can often be the difference. Colorado is making 85 percent of its free throws, which is fourth among DI programs, while Oregon ranks 202nd in free-throw percentage.
The play: Colorado, -2.