Colorado Buffaloes Face Oklahoma State Cowboys in Big 12 Opener

The Colorado Buffaloes will compete against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament on March 10, 2024. The game is scheduled to tip off at 19:30 MT and will be broadcast on ESPN+. Colorado enters this matchup as a slight favorite, with current betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook placing them at -2.5 points, while the points total is set at 164.5.

The last encounter between these teams took place earlier this season, where Colorado secured a convincing 83-69 victory at home. Although this marks their only matchup to date, the Buffaloes have demonstrated their capability against the Cowboys. As they prepare for this high-stakes game, Colorado fans are keenly anticipating standout performances from guards Isaiah Johnson, who averages 17.0 points per game, and Barrington Hargress, contributing 14.1 points per game.

Injury Concerns and Team Dynamics

In addition to their guard strength, Colorado’s forward tandem of Bangot Dak and Sebastian Rancik has proven vital to the team’s success. Dak averages 11.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, while Rancik adds 12.3 points and 5.6 rebounds. However, Rancik is currently dealing with an undisclosed injury, leaving his status for the tournament uncertain. His absence would be a significant blow, yet there remains hope that he may return if Colorado advances further.

Oklahoma State faces its own challenges, particularly with the injury to forward Parsa Fallah, who is sidelined for the season. Despite this setback, the Cowboys maintain a robust rotation, with guard Anthony Roy leading the team in minutes, averaging 28.8 per game, and scoring 16.7 points per game. The depth of Oklahoma State’s roster, featuring multiple guards logging over 20 minutes per game, will be crucial as they seek to counter the Buffaloes’ offensive threats.

Path to the Quarterfinals

For Colorado, navigating the Big 12 Tournament will require a remarkable feat of winning five consecutive games in five days, a challenge previously accomplished by teams like 2011 UConn and 2024 North Carolina State. The winner of the Colorado versus Oklahoma State game will advance to face the No. 6 seed TCU, with the victor of that matchup set to encounter the No. 3-seeded Kansas Jayhawks in the quarterfinals.

Colorado enters this pivotal tournament following a loss to the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats, finishing with an 89-79 score. Despite an initial lead of 11 points, the Buffaloes were unable to maintain their advantage. After the game, head coach Tad Boyle reflected on the team’s performance, stating, “We know we can compete with the best team in this league. No moral victories for sure, but I think our guys can take some positive things.”

As anticipation builds for this matchup, basketball fans are reminded that game odds are subject to change. For those experiencing gambling issues, support is available by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.