Colorado Buffaloes vs Cincinnati Bearcats Picks and Predictions January 15th 2025

Cincinnati and Colorado Clash in Search of First Big 12 Victory

Winless in Big 12 play, Cincinnati and Colorado will battle on Wednesday night in Boulder, Colo., with both teams eager to secure their first conference victory and end respective losing streaks.

Struggles for Both Squads

Cincinnati (10-5, 0-4) entered the Big 12 as a ranked team earlier this season but has since dropped out of the AP Top 25 following four consecutive losses. The Bearcats hit rock bottom offensively in a 57-40 home loss to then-No. 11 Kansas on Saturday, marking their lowest point total since 1993.

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Colorado (9-6, 0-4) also finds itself in a rut, having lost four straight games. Most recently, the Buffaloes fell 78-70 at home to then-No. 21 West Virginia despite a spirited comeback that fell short in the final minutes.

Cincinnati’s Offensive Woes

Cincinnati’s offensive struggles were evident against Kansas, where the Bearcats shot a dismal 30.5 percent from the field. Dillon Mitchell led the team with 10 points, the only Bearcat to reach double figures. After taking a slim 25-24 halftime lead, Cincinnati was outscored 30-15 in the second half.

“Everybody goes through bad stretches in these leagues,” Cincinnati coach Wes Miller said. “It’s part of the deal. If you want to play at this level, it comes with it sometimes. We’ve got to respond to it, and I believe my team will.”

The Bearcats’ defense remains a bright spot, ranking seventh nationally and second in the Big 12 in points allowed (60.5 per game). They will need to lean on that defense to compensate for their offensive inconsistencies.

Colorado’s Offensive Challenges

Colorado also struggled offensively in its loss to West Virginia, making more free throws (24) than field goals (20). Julian Hammond III provided a spark with 23 points, but the Buffaloes missed nine of their final 11 shots, squandering a late rally.

“Obviously losing four games in a row is frustrating, but we’ll try to keep our team together,” Hammond said. “We have another game on Wednesday. So we got to be ready for that.”

Head coach Tad Boyle took responsibility for the team’s slump, saying, “It’s been like that now four games in a row. So I take responsibility for this. I’m the head coach.”

Key Matchup: Defense vs. Struggling Offenses

Both teams have displayed defensive capabilities but have struggled mightily on offense. The Bearcats’ disciplined defense will try to contain Hammond, Colorado’s leading scorer in recent games. Meanwhile, the Buffaloes will look to exploit Cincinnati’s stagnant offense, which has averaged just 55.8 points during their losing streak.

Historical Edge

Cincinnati holds a decisive 7-1 advantage in the all-time series against Colorado. However, the two programs haven’t met since 1982, making this matchup an opportunity for both teams to write a new chapter in their histories.

What’s at Stake

With both teams desperate for a win, this game offers a chance to regain momentum and build confidence in the highly competitive Big 12. For Cincinnati, snapping its offensive slump will be paramount. Colorado, meanwhile, will look to defend its home court and capitalize on its ability to get to the free-throw line.