Colorado Buffaloes vs Pacific Tigers Picks and Predictions December 2nd 2024

Colorado Preps for Pacific After Maui Invitational Lessons

Buffaloes Learn Key Lessons in Maui

After a challenging three-game stretch in the Maui Invitational, Colorado (5-2) returns home to Boulder for a matchup against Pacific (5-4) on Monday night. While the Buffaloes went 1-2 in Lahaina, their impressive win over No. 2 UConn in the consolation bracket highlighted the team’s potential.

Despite a tough blowout loss to Iowa State in the fifth-place game, coach Tad Boyle sees the experience as invaluable. The tournament, while a learning curve, provided the Buffaloes with critical insights that could shape their season.

One major takeaway: Elijah Malone’s emergence as a force in the paint. Malone, who is second on the team in scoring with 12.9 points per game, showcased his talent against Michigan State and UConn before struggling with double teams from Iowa State.

“For us to be really tough to guard, when we get that piece figured out, we’ll be in great shape,”

Boyle said of handling those defensive challenges.

Rotation and Depth Concerns

Boyle is also facing decisions about his rotation, having played at least 11 players in every game during the Maui Invitational. While the depth is an asset, Boyle acknowledges it isn’t sustainable long-term.

“I’m going to make my decisions based on practice and based on the performance in games,” he explained, signaling that lineup changes are likely as the season progresses.

Pacific’s Recent Momentum

Pacific enters Monday’s game having won two straight, including a 64-55 victory over Cal State Fullerton. The Tigers (5-4) are led by dynamic scorers Elijah Fisher and Elias Ralph, who both average 17.3 points per game.

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Under new head coach Dave Smart, Pacific has focused on building toughness. Smart, in his first year at the helm, emphasized the importance of defense and ball control in his team’s approach.

“We’re going to try to compete every single time we walk on the court,” Smart said before the season. “If we get a defensive rebound and take care of the ball, it doesn’t matter who we’re playing, we’re going to be in a lot of games.”

Outlook

For Colorado, the focus will be on continuing to develop its interior game and refining its rotation, particularly with Malone’s potential as a centerpiece. Pacific will look to build on its recent momentum and disrupt the Buffaloes with its defensive grit and scoring from Fisher and Ralph. Both teams are hungry for a win as they navigate the early part of the season, with Colorado aiming to bounce back and Pacific seeking to prove its newfound form.