The Kansas men’s basketball team recently regained its momentum with two impressive victories during a homestand, defeating then-No. 2 Iowa State 84-63 and Baylor 80-62. Now, the 19th-ranked Jayhawks aim to carry this success onto the road as they face Colorado on Tuesday night at 10 p.m. Central time.
Head coach Bill Self acknowledged the challenges of performing away from Allen Fieldhouse, pointing out that the team hasn’t always excelled in road games. Although they managed a win at N.C. State, their performances in Orlando and Morgantown were underwhelming. Self expressed hope that the upcoming games will serve as opportunities to improve and build confidence in hostile environments ahead of the Sunflower Showdown against Kansas State.
The Colorado Buffaloes, who have shown promise this season with a 2-3 record in Big 12 play, are seeking to bounce back after suffering recent losses to Texas Tech, Cincinnati, and West Virginia. Last season, their start was tough as they struggled for wins after rejoining the Big 12, but they have shown improvement this year with their quicker transition into the conference.
Freshman guard Isaiah Johnson, now a starter, leads the Buffaloes in scoring with an average of 15.8 points per game. His teammate, transfer Barrington Hargress, also boasts impressive shooting from long range. Despite some inconsistency, Colorado’s roster features a blend of youth and experience, with eight freshmen and four sophomores contributing significantly.
Despite Colorado’s struggles, they pushed Kansas in close games last season, suggesting a potential challenge for the Jayhawks. Kansas will need to remain focused and cohesive, especially as they aim to maintain a tight rotation, which has been a factor in their recent successes. Freshman Darryn Peterson’s performance will also be crucial, as he has exhibited exceptional scoring efficiency despite dealing with cramps that have affected his endurance in games.
The matchup promises to be an exciting one, as both teams are looking to assert themselves in the Big 12 and gain vital wins. Fans eagerly anticipate the action as Kansas looks to extend its winning streak against a resilient Colorado squad.