Colorado Buffaloes vs Bellarmine Knights Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Colorado Eyes Defensive Cohesion Against Bellarmine

The Colorado Buffaloes (8-2) look to wrap up their nonconference schedule with a win as they host Bellarmine (3-9) on Saturday afternoon in Boulder, Colo. With a perfect 7-0 home record this season, the Buffaloes aim to fine-tune their defensive identity before diving into the challenges of Big 12 play.

Buffaloes Building Offensive Identity

Colorado lost its top five scorers from last season’s NCAA Tournament squad, leaving a significant gap to fill offensively. The team has found new scoring leaders in Julian Hammond III (13.4 points per game), Elijah Malone (12.3), and Andrej Jakimovski (12.1). This trio has helped Colorado adjust to a new-look lineup, providing balanced scoring that has fueled their strong start at home.

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However, the Buffaloes’ biggest concern remains their perimeter defense. Despite holding opponents to 31.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc, they have struggled to contain high-volume 3-point shooters.

“I think it’s really an understanding of who you’re guarding,” head coach Tad Boyle said. “That’s what we haven’t done a great job of.”

Bellarmine Struggling to Find Consistency

The Knights come into Saturday’s game on a rough stretch, having lost four of their last five games, including a lopsided 92-55 defeat to Wyoming on Thursday. Bellarmine’s leading scorer, Jack Karasinski (16.9 points per game), has missed the last four games, further hampering the team’s offensive consistency.

In his absence, Ben Johnson (13.2) and Billy Smith (12.8) have stepped up. Smith posted a career-high 33 points in a loss to Ball State on Dec. 14, showcasing his potential to lead Bellarmine offensively.

Head coach Scott Davenport acknowledges the challenge of facing a program like Colorado but remains optimistic. “Colorado plays a very high level of basketball. Their record is not the only indicator of their abilities,” Davenport said.

Key Matchups

1. Colorado’s Perimeter Defense vs. Bellarmine’s Shooters
   The Buffaloes will need to tighten up their perimeter defense, especially against players like Smith, who has proven capable of scoring in bunches.
2. Julian Hammond III vs. Bellarmine’s Defense
   Hammond’s ability to orchestrate Colorado’s offense and score efficiently will be pivotal in keeping the Buffaloes in control.
3. Bellarmine’s Depth vs. Colorado’s Versatility
   With Karasinski potentially out again, the Knights will rely on their remaining scorers to stay competitive against a balanced Colorado squad.

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What’s at Stake

For Colorado, a win would solidify their confidence heading into Big 12 play and allow them to address defensive concerns in a game they are favored to win. For Bellarmine, it’s an opportunity to compete against a Power Five opponent and potentially secure the program’s first win over a Big 12 team in seven attempts.

This matchup presents Colorado with a final opportunity to polish their game plan and defensive strategies, while Bellarmine seeks to find consistency in a tough environment.