Arizona Wildcats vs Colorado Buffaloes Picks and Predictions January 25th 2025

Skidding Colorado Faces Rising Arizona in a Crucial Big 12 Matchup

Colorado’s men’s basketball team will aim to snap its longest losing streak in seven years and secure its first Big 12 victory of the season when the Buffaloes take on the surging Arizona Wildcats on Saturday in Tucson. This game pits two teams on opposite trajectories, with Colorado searching for answers amid struggles, while Arizona continues to build momentum.

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Colorado’s Struggles: A Team Rebuilding from Scratch

The Buffaloes (9-9 overall, 0-7 Big 12) have hit a rough patch in their return to the Big 12, losing seven straight games. This marks their longest losing streak since the 2016-17 season and highlights the challenges of transitioning back to one of college basketball’s toughest conferences.

“We’re not pointing fingers; this is on all of us,” said head coach Tad Boyle, reflecting on the team’s struggles. “If it was just one problem, we’d have solved it. But we need the whole group to step up.”

Key Challenges for Colorado

1. Roster Turnover: Colorado entered the season with the least experienced team in Boyle’s 15-year tenure. After losing stars like KJ Simpson and Cody Williams to the NBA, as well as six of its top players overall, the Buffaloes retained just 5,779 Division I minutes — the fewest in the Big 12.
2. Offensive Limitations: Only two players are averaging double figures in scoring: Julian Hammond III (13.7 points per game) and Andrej Jakimovski (10.2). The team has also struggled with rebounding, with Trevor Baskin leading at just 5.9 rebounds per game.
3. Adapting to the Big 12: Colorado’s return to the conference for the first time since 2010-11 has highlighted the intensity and depth of competition, leaving the Buffaloes struggling to find their rhythm.

Arizona Wildcats: Momentum and Milestones

In stark contrast, Arizona (12-6 overall, 6-1 Big 12) has been thriving under head coach Tommy Lloyd. The Wildcats have won eight of their last nine games, including an impressive 92-78 victory over Oklahoma State earlier this week. That win not only solidified Arizona’s position near the top of the conference standings but also marked a significant milestone for Lloyd.

Lloyd’s Record-Breaking Start

Lloyd achieved his 100th career win in just 126 games, tying his former Gonzaga mentor, Mark Few, for the fastest to reach the milestone among active college basketball head coaches.

“It’s a special achievement, but it’s a testament to the hard work of our players,” Lloyd said. “We didn’t play great against Texas Tech, but I’m proud of how we bounced back against Oklahoma State.”

Caleb Love: The X-Factor

Guard Caleb Love has been instrumental in Arizona’s recent success. Against Oklahoma State, Love scored 27 points, including back-to-back 3-pointers that helped the Wildcats extend their halftime lead to double digits. Love, now with over 2,400 career points, has provided both leadership and offensive firepower, making him a player to watch on Saturday.

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Key Matchup Storylines

1. Experience vs. Inexperience

Arizona’s seasoned roster, led by Love, gives them a clear advantage over Colorado’s young and rebuilding squad. The Wildcats’ ability to execute under pressure contrasts sharply with the Buffaloes’ struggles to close out games.

2. Rebounding Battle

While Arizona boasts strong interior play, Colorado’s lack of rebounding production has hurt them in critical moments. Winning the battle on the boards will be crucial for the Buffaloes to remain competitive.

3. Mental Toughness

For Colorado, breaking a seven-game losing streak requires more than just on-court adjustments; it demands mental resilience. Arizona, on the other hand, will aim to maintain its focus and continue its winning ways.

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What’s at Stake?

• For Colorado: This game represents an opportunity to rebuild confidence and secure a morale-boosting win in a difficult season. A victory could be a turning point as the Buffaloes look to salvage their conference campaign.
• For Arizona: A win would solidify their position as Big 12 contenders and extend their impressive streak. It’s also a chance for Lloyd to continue cementing his legacy as one of college basketball’s fastest-rising coaching stars.

Coaches’ Perspectives

Boyle remains focused on improving the team’s overall performance rather than singling out individuals. “It’s a process. We’ll keep working hard and growing as a team,” he emphasized.

Lloyd, meanwhile, continues to encourage his players to embrace challenges. “It’s not supposed to be easy. That’s what makes winning so rewarding,” he said, reflecting on the team’s bounce-back performance.

Prediction: A Tough Road Ahead for Colorado

Given Arizona’s recent form and Colorado’s ongoing struggles, the Wildcats enter this game as clear favorites. However, the Buffaloes have an opportunity to play spoiler and gain valuable experience against a strong opponent.

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Conclusion

As Colorado and Arizona face off, the game serves as a snapshot of two programs in vastly different phases of development. For the Buffaloes, it’s a chance to fight for redemption. For the Wildcats, it’s another step toward solidifying their place as Big 12 title contenders. Fans can expect a competitive clash as both teams seek to make a statement in this pivotal conference matchup.