Preview: Colorado at Cincinnati
Cincinnati returns home tonight in urgent need of a breakthrough after opening Big 12 play with three straight losses. That task won’t be easy against a Colorado team that has quickly established itself as one of the league’s most efficient and balanced groups. The Buffaloes enter at 12–4 overall and 2–1 in conference play, already matching last season’s regular-season win total and sitting just one league win shy of last year’s Big 12 output.
(Photo: Colorado Athletics)
For the Bearcats, snapping the losing streak will require controlling the areas where Colorado has consistently thrived: offensive efficiency, free throw production, depth, and rebounding.
Colorado’s Efficiency Sets the Tone
Colorado’s offensive profile is built on shot quality and decision-making. The Buffaloes are averaging 85.5 points per game, ranking in the national top 50, while shooting 49.1 percent from the field, one of the best marks in the Big 12. They pair that efficiency with ball security, committing just 10.2 turnovers per game, which places them among the nation’s better teams in turnover avoidance.
That combination makes extended defensive lapses costly. Cincinnati will need to force Colorado into tougher looks late in possessions, something few teams have done consistently this season.
Free Throws: A Critical Battleground
Perhaps the biggest statistical challenge for Cincinnati is Colorado’s dominance at the free throw line. The Buffaloes lead the Big 12 by making 19.4 free throws per game and shoot 78.1 percent as a team, ranking 12th nationally. Over their last six games, that number jumps to nearly 87.5 percent, with multiple players shooting better than 90 percent during that stretch.
Colorado’s ability to convert fouls into points has been game-defining, including a road win at Arizona State where it made 32 free throws, one of the highest road totals in the country this season. Cincinnati must defend physically but intelligently, as foul trouble and bonus situations heavily favor the Buffaloes.
Depth That Wears Opponents Down
Colorado’s bench production is another separator. The Buffaloes average 34.1 points per game from their reserves, accounting for roughly 40 percent of their total scoring, a figure that leads the Big 12 and ranks 23rd nationally. Their bench shoots nearly 47 percent from the floor and adds 12.8 rebounds per game, allowing Colorado to maintain pressure even when rotating lineups.
For Cincinnati, matching energy when the second units enter the game will be essential. Losing the non-starter minutes has been a common theme in Big 12 losses, and Colorado is particularly equipped to exploit that.
Rebounding and Physicality Inside
Colorado is averaging 37.1 rebounds per game with a +4.3 rebounding margin, fueled by Bangot Dak, who has pulled down double figure rebounds in four of his last six games. The Buffaloes have been especially strong defensively, limiting opponents to 32.9 rebounds per contest and closing possessions effectively.
Cincinnati will need to emphasize team rebounding and physical box-outs, especially against a frontcourt that has punished opponents with second-chance prevention and transition opportunities.
Cincinnati’s Path Forward
Offensively, Cincinnati must play with pace and purpose. Colorado’s defensive numbers—allowing 77.6 points per game—are not overwhelming. Attacking early mismatches, generating paint touches, and making Colorado defend without fouling could help flip the free throw script and slow the Buffaloes’ rhythm.
Protecting the basketball will also be critical. Colorado ranks top 35 nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.6) and thrives when opponents gift extra possessions. Limiting live-ball turnovers can prevent Colorado from building confidence runs.
Players to Know
Isaiah Johnson – G, Fr.
Johnson leads Colorado in scoring at 15.9 points per game, all while coming off the bench. He is one of the nation’s most productive reserve scorers and has four 20-point performances this season. Johnson is also Colorado’s top threat at the line, ranking among the national leaders for free throws made by a freshman and shooting 83.0 percent on high volume. His ability to draw fouls and score in bursts makes him a constant concern.
Barrington Hargress – G, Jr.
Hargress is the Buffaloes’ primary facilitator, leading the team with 76 assists and posting a 3.2 assist-to-turnover ratio, one of the best marks in the Big 12. He is also Colorado’s most efficient shooter at 56.7 percent from the field, and over his last seven games, that number jumps to 60 percent. Keeping him out of rhythm is key to disrupting Colorado’s offense.
Sebastian Rancik – F, So.
Rancik is second on the team in scoring (13.9 ppg) and rebounding (5.6 rpg) while ranking second in the Big 12 in free throw percentage at 87.6 percent. Over the first three conference games, he is averaging 16.7 points and 6.0 rebounds, showing his comfort against league competition.
Bangot Dak – F, Jr.
Dak anchors the interior, leading Colorado with 7.8 rebounds per game and ranking among the Big 12 leaders in blocks (1.7 per game). In conference play, he has elevated his rebounding to 11.7 per game, including a career-high 13 boards against Texas Tech. His presence makes finishing possessions a challenge for opponents.
(Photo: Colorado Athletics)
Final Thoughts
This matchup presents Cincinnati with both a challenge and an opportunity. Colorado’s numbers paint the picture of a disciplined, efficient, and deep team that capitalizes on mistakes—especially at the free throw line and on the glass. To end the three-game losing streak, the Bearcats must stay connected defensively, rebound collectively, and avoid gifting points through fouls and turnovers.
If Cincinnati can control tempo, compete through contact without fouling, and win the effort categories, it can turn home court into an advantage. In a Big 12 where momentum is fleeting, tonight offers the Bearcats a chance to reset their conference trajectory against one of the league’s most statistically sound teams.