Colorado and Stanford round out the Sunday college hoops slate with the Cardinal on a surprising five game winning streak after starting 5-12 and 0-7 in PAC-12 play.
They finish the ‘mountain road trip’ between Utah and Colorado against the Buffaloes, who are sitting at 13-11 on the year and 5-8 in conference play. The Buffaloes have a noted home court advantage at the elevation but can they hold off the suddenly streaking Cardinal?
Stanford Cardinal @ Colorado Buffaloes | Odds by BetMGM
Stanford vs. Colorado prediction and pick
It’s time to sell high on the Cardinal, who are on the second leg of the worst road trip in PAC-12 play, at elevation for the second game in four days. Not to mention, Colorado head coach Tad Boyle has owned Stanford’s Jerod Haase, winning eight straight games against him in Boulder.
The Buffaloes defense is going to be the key to this one as they are second in generating turnovers in league play and can pressure a Stanford team that is devoid of ball handlers, 262nd in the country in protecting the rock.
I also don’t buy that Stanford will continue to shoot lights out on this road trip, a team that is outside the top 200 in terms of three-point percentage this season. On Thursday the Cardinal shot 10-of-18 from three at Utah, winning outright at six point underdogs.
Colorado’s offense does leave a ton to be desired, last in PAC-12 turnover rate and second worst effective field goal percentage, but they do get to the free throw line at a high rate and clean the glass well, fourth in offensive rebounding rate.
The Buffs offense is a concern, but I can’t overlook the scheduling spot to back the home favorite against a Stanford team that is flying high after winning five straight.
COLO -4.5
-120
spread
Stanford Cardinal @ Colorado Buffaloes
02/05 6:00 PM
If the Colorado Buffaloes win by 5 or more, a $12.00 bet on them will win you $10, for a total payout of $22.00.
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