Opinion
3 min read

Wildcats Set to Pounce on Buffaloes at CU Events Center Showdown

As the Arizona Wildcats prepare to face off against the Colorado Buffaloes at the CU Events Center, fans are brimming with anticipation for what promises to be a riveting encounter. The Wildcats have been showcasing a blend of resilience and skill that has left their supporters in awe, and there's every reason to believe they will carry this momentum into Boulder.


Feb 18, 2023; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard KJ Simpson (2) makes a basket against Arizona Wildcats guard Cedric Henderson Jr. (45) during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports

Reflecting on their recent performance on December 23 against Florida Atlantic Owls, where they narrowly missed victory by one point in a high-octane double-overtime thriller, it's clear that ARIZ possesses both tenacity and endurance. Despite falling short with 95 points to FAU's 96, the Wildcats demonstrated an impressive ability to maintain pressure throughout extended playtime. Their defensive prowess was evident as they racked up 12 steals and managed a commendable assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.5.


The offensive end saw ARIZ dominate in points from turnovers (18) and second-chance points (20), thanks largely to their aggressive rebounding which led them to secure an astounding 22 offensive boards. This kind of hustle is exactly what will be needed when they take on COLO.


Feb 18, 2023; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Cedric Henderson Jr. (45) and forward Azuolas Tubelis (10) drives to the net against Colorado Buffaloes forward Tristan da Silva (23) guard Nique Clifford (32)  and guard Luke O'Brien (0) during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports

In another notable game against Alabama Crimson Tide on December 21, Arizona emerged victorious with an assertive display of scoring efficiency inside the paint where they tallied up 42 points. Their fast break execution was nothing short of spectacular as well; contributing significantly towards their total score of 87 points.


However, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the challenge posed by COLO. The Buffaloes' home advantage cannot be underestimated, nor can their own set of skills and strategies that could disrupt ARIZ’s rhythm.


Feb 18, 2023; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Javon Ruffin (11) makes a basket against Arizona Wildcats guard Cedric Henderson Jr. (45) during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports

Yet if history is any indicator – particularly considering ARIZ’s performance against Purdue Boilermakers back on December 16 – then fans can remain cautiously optimistic about Arizona’s prospects. In that game alone, Arizona showcased remarkable shooting accuracy from both two-point range (56 percent) and beyond the arc (38 percent), coupled with a highly efficient assist-to-turnover ratio of nearly two assists for every turnover committed.


With these past performances as context, it seems likely that ARIZ will enter this matchup with confidence high but not complacent; knowing full well each game writes its own story.


Fans eager for action should mark their calendars for February 10th at 11:00 AM MST when these two teams clash at CU Events Center in Boulder – all set under ESPN Networks’ spotlight for those who prefer screen-side seats.

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