We are just hours away from another big early-season test for the Buffaloes. After watching Colorado battle Stanford and No. 5 UCLA (at least in the second half), I am feeling much more confident with No. 13 Tennesse coming to Boulder.
But even with home court advantage, the Buffs will have to play their best game of the season to take down the Vols. As of Saturday morning, Tennessee is favored, but not by much.
All Betting Lines are Courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook
- Line: Tennessee -5.5
- Over/Under: 136.5
- Moneyline: Colorado (+200), Tennessee (-250)
If the Buffs can hold Tennesse under its season average of 47.3% from the field and keep Battey out of foul trouble, a Colorado upset is more than possible. Saturday will also mark the Vols’ first true road game of the season, which should be a huge advantage for the Buffs.
In last year’s Knoxville meeting, the Buffs fell behind 16 in the first half and although they trimmed that deficit to five late in the game, they ultimately fell 56-47. Keeshawn Barthelemy, who started alongside McKinley Wright IV in that game, led all returning players with seven points. Evan Battey, Jabari Walker, Nique Clifford and Tristan da Silva also got a taste of Tennesse and I’m hoping that experience will carry over well.
There will be little margin for error in this year’s matchup, however, with Santiago Vescovi dominating again and freshman Kennedy Chandler joining the Vols’ backcourt.
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