No. 5 Houston Aims to Keep Colorado Winless in Big 12

Can Colorado Finally Break Its Losing Streak?

The Colorado Buffaloes (9-13, 0-11 Big 12) are in desperate need of a victory, but their Big 12 struggles don’t get any easier as they host No. 5 Houston (18-4, 10-1 Big 12) on Saturday afternoon in Boulder.

Colorado’s 11-game losing streak is their longest to start a conference season since 1985-86, when they went 0-14 in the Big 8.

The Buffaloes were once again outmatched in their 72-59 loss at Utah on Wednesday. Despite a second-half rally, Colorado couldn’t overcome a 12-point halftime deficit, marking yet another double-digit defeat—their fifth in the last six games.

With three more ranked opponents after Houston, the Buffaloes are running out of chances to turn things around.

Houston: The Nation’s Top Defense Looks to Dominate Again

Recent Performance

• Current Streak: Won 1
• Record: 18-4 (10-1 Big 12)
• Last Game: Defeated Oklahoma State 72-63

Houston enters as one of the top defensive teams in the country, leading Division I in scoring defense (56.9 PPG allowed).

Key Players to Watch

• L.J. Cryer (G, 22 years old): 14.3 PPG, Houston’s leading scorer, dangerous from three-point range.
• Emanuel Sharp (G, 21 years old): 12.5 PPG, efficient scorer and perimeter defender.
• J’Wan Roberts (F, 23 years old): 11.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG, key force in Houston’s physical frontcourt.
• Milos Uzan (G, 22 years old): 9.9 PPG, strong playmaker and on-ball defender.

The Cougars’ stifling defense has held seven of their 11 Big 12 opponents under 60 points, and Colorado’s struggling offense could be next.

Despite their first conference loss to Texas Tech on Feb. 1 in overtime (82-81), Houston rebounded well with a nine-point win over Oklahoma State.

Coach Kelvin Sampson has made it clear that the grueling Big 12 schedule is taking a toll, especially with a six-game stretch in just 18 days.

“Everybody in the league gets to it,” Sampson said. “I’m not complaining, but there is no bye week in a 20-game schedule. It’s 10 grueling weeks.”

With three of their next four games on the road, Houston needs to stay sharp against a Colorado team with nothing to lose.

Colorado: Can the Buffaloes Finally Break Through?

Recent Performance

• Current Streak: Lost 11
• Record: 9-13 (0-11 Big 12)
• Last Game: Lost at Utah 72-59

Colorado’s return to the Big 12 has been a nightmare, as they remain winless in league play. Their offensive and defensive struggles have made climbing out of the conference cellar nearly impossible.

Key Players to Watch

• Julian Hammond III (G, 21 years old): 13.3 PPG, leading scorer, but needs more consistency.
• Andrej Jakimovski (F, 22 years old): 10.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, solid secondary scorer.
• Trevor Baskin (F, 22 years old): 8.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, Colorado’s leading rebounder.

Jakimovski remains optimistic despite the losses, emphasizing that the team’s chemistry remains strong.

However, the numbers tell a different story:
✅ Colorado is averaging just 64.7 PPG in Big 12 play, one of the lowest in the conference.
✅ They’ve been outscored by 11.2 points per game in league play.
✅ Their rebounding margin is negative (-3.2 RPG), making them vulnerable against Houston’s physicality.

If the Buffaloes can’t control the glass or protect the ball, this game could get out of hand early.

Key Matchups and Storylines

Can Houston’s Defense Shut Down Colorado Early?

✅ Houston allows just 56.9 PPG, best in the nation.
✅ Colorado has been held under 60 points in five of their last six games.
✅ If Houston sets the defensive tone early, this could be over by halftime.

Industry’s Best

Handicapping Membership

Get Free Trial

Colorado’s Frontcourt vs. Houston’s Physicality

✅ Houston thrives on toughness inside, with J’Wan Roberts and Emanuel Sharp controlling the boards.
✅ Colorado is one of the worst rebounding teams in the Big 12, meaning they’ll have trouble winning second-chance points.
✅ If Houston dominates the glass, they’ll control the tempo from start to finish.

Can Colorado Avoid Costly Turnovers?

✅ Houston forces 15.1 turnovers per game, ranking top 10 in the country.
✅ Colorado has been careless with the ball in key moments, leading to fast-break points for opponents.
✅ If they can’t limit turnovers, Houston’s transition offense will put the game away quickly.

Game Details

📅 Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM ET
📍 Location: CU Events Center, Boulder, CO
📺 TV: ESPN

Can Colorado finally break through, or will Houston’s elite defense keep them winless in the Big 12?