Game Preview: Colorado Buffaloes vs. Arizona Wildcats
This Saturday, March 7, 2026, Colorado will face Arizona at the CU Events Center in Boulder at 9:05 PM MT. You can catch the action on ESPN2 or listen on KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM.
Current Standings
The Buffaloes are 17-13, tied for 11th in the Big 12 with Arizona State. They need a win or an Arizona State loss to secure the 11th seed for the Big 12 Championship, which starts March 10 in Kansas City. Colorado has shown improvement lately, winning three of their last four games, including a strong performance against Utah, where they broke a seven-game losing streak on the road.
Scoring Breakdown
Colorado’s scoring has been impressive this season. They’ve had at least four players score in double figures in 20 of their 30 games. When this happens, they boast a record of 15-5. Key players include freshman Isaiah Johnson, who’s averaging 16.6 points per game and recently scored 22 against Utah. He leads the team in several categories, including free throws made and steals.
Junior Barrington Hargress is another standout, leading in assists and field goal percentage while being second in scoring. His assist-to-turnover ratio is exceptional, ranking among the best in the nation.
Emerging Talents
Sophomore Sebastian Rancik and junior Bangot Dak have been crucial, especially on the boards. Rancik recently achieved a double-double against Arizona State, showcasing his growing role on the team. Dak hit a career-high 22 points against Utah, continuing his strong performance toward the season’s end.
Freshman Ian Inman is also making his mark, scoring 17 points against Kansas State—his highest this season and future potential is evident.
Arizona’s Dominance
Arizona comes into this matchup with a strong record of 28-2 and has already clinched the Big 12 title. They score an average of 86.6 points per game, making them one of the highest-scoring teams in the conference. They also excel in fast breaks, averaging 16.5 points per game in quick transitions.
Their scoring is well-rounded, with seven players contributing at least nine points per game. Freshman Brayden Burries leads them with 15.5 points per game, while senior Tobe Awaka is a rebounding machine, ranking first in the Big 12.
A Historical Rivalry
This game marks the 44th meeting between these two schools. Arizona leads the series 27-16 and has won the last five encounters. However, Colorado has a strong home advantage, holding a 12-4 lead in Boulder. The last time Colorado triumphed over Arizona was on February 26, 2022, during a memorable Senior Night.
As both teams prepare for this clash, fans can expect an exciting showdown filled with talent and determination.
For more details, visit the Colorado Buffaloes’ official site.
