ASU Basketball: 2019 Pac-12 Week 16 Power Rankings
By Trevor Booth
4. Colorado Buffaloes (16-9, 7-6 Pac-12) LW: 8
Just a few weeks ago, Colorado was stuck in a rut. Losers of six of their first eight conference games, the Buffaloes were seemingly destined to dwell at the Pac-12’s cellar.
Oh, how things have changed.
After that slow start, the Buffaloes are now in the midst of their stampede. Colorado is riding a five-game winning streak, making it arguably the hottest team in the Pac-12.
Most recently, the Buffaloes swept their adversaries from Arizona. In the first of a two-game set, Colorado upended Arizona State.
For all 40 minutes, the game was tight. At the break, the game was knotted at 32 apiece. After halftime, Colorado gained momentum and eventually won, 77-73.
Coming into this game, Arizona State was ranked among college basketball’s most prolific teams in rebounding. But the Buffaloes neutralized the Sun Devils’ prowess on the glass and held a 39 to 33 advantage on the boards.
Colorado also had outstanding performances from its two leading scorers: McKinley Wright IV and Tyler Bey. The duo combined for 46 points, well above their combined average of 25.8 per game.
A few days later, things were close again for Colorado. But an efficient scoring effort paved the way for another victory.
From the field, Colorado shot 55.8 percent, compared to Arizona’s 44.4. This sound percentage carried Colorado to a 67-60 win over the Wildcats.
Once again, Colorado controlled the rebounding battle. The Buffaloes collected seven more boards than Arizona, and Bey’s 10 were a team high.
Can the Buffaloes continue their unexpected success? Only time will tell. In its next series, Colorado faces Washington — the Pac-12’s best team — and Washington State.
– Field