Colorado Buffaloes vs Utah Running Utes Betting Picks & Predictions

Game outlook

On Saturday, the Pac-12 will feature a basketball game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Utah Utes at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Both teams are currently positioned closely in the conference standings and are aiming to catch up to Arizona and Oregon. The betting favorite for this match is Utah, with an opening line of -1.75 and a current line of Utah -2.5. The game presents an opportunity for either team to make progress in the conference rankings.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Buffaloes +123 | Running Utes -144

Spread: Buffaloes +2.5 (-110) | Running Utes -2.5 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 150.5 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Utah will win straight-up is 59%.

Colorado Buffaloes

The Buffaloes had their four-game winning streak come to an end in their recent loss to Washington State. However, they have had success against their upcoming opponent in three of their last four meetings. Colorado is considered the second-highest rated Pac-12 school according to KenPom due to their strong offensive performance. They score an impressive 81.3 points per game with a field goal percentage of 50.0%, which is the ninth best in the country. Their three-point shooting is also strong, ranking ninth nationwide at 39.5%. Additionally, their free throw percentage of 78.7% is the fifth highest in the country. While they excel offensively, their offensive rebounding and ball security could use improvement. On the defensive end, the team allows an average of 71.1 points per game and holds their opponents to a 33.6% shooting percentage on three-pointers. However, their overall field goal percentage allowed is 43.1% and opponents attempt an average of 17.6 free throws per game. Colorado has a positive rebounding margin of +7.8, but they struggle with turnovers and allowing points on the road. To continue their winning streak, the Buffaloes will need to focus on improving their defense. From a power ranking perspective, Colorado is ranked 25th with an offense that scores an average of 81.29 points per game and a defense that allows an average of 71.14 points per game. They have a field goal percentage of 49.96%, ranking 8th in the country, and a free throw percentage of 78.70%, ranking 7th. Their three-point shooting is also strong, ranking 8th at 39.55%. Defensively, they allow opponents to shoot 43.17% from the field and 71.89% from the free-throw line. Their performance on defending three-pointers is at 33.64%. In terms of rebounds, they average 37.67 per game and have 16.52 offensive assists. However, they also average 13.05 turnovers per game. Defensively, they average 29.81 defensive rebounds and have 10.48 defensive assists. However, they also average 11.81 turnovers per game. T for 3️⃣ to help close the gap 59-51 WSU | 2H 6:50 📺 Pac-12 Network pic.twitter.com/2vjVd685r9