Preview: Colorado Buffaloes at West Virginia Mountaineers

STAR CITY, W.Va. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to steady themselves in the Big 12 Conference race will meet Saturday when the Colorado Buffaloes visit the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum.

Colorado (12-5) arrives after a 77-68 road loss at Cincinnati on Wednesday, its second consecutive defeat. The Buffaloes had won two straight prior to the skid. West Virginia (11-6) is also coming off a lopsided road loss, falling 77-48 at Houston on Tuesday. The Mountaineers had won two in a row before that setback.

The matchup features a contrast in momentum, with both squads seeking to avoid a losing streak in league play. Colorado’s offense, which averages 79.2 points per game, will be tested by a West Virginia defense that held its last two home opponents to an average of 61 points in wins over Kansas and Cincinnati.

A key player for the Buffaloes is forward Bangot Dak, who is coming off a 12-point, four-assist performance at Cincinnati. Over his last five games, Dak has shown versatility, recording a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds) in a win at Arizona State and blocking multiple shots in three contests during that span.

West Virginia will counter with guard DJ Thomas, who provided a bright spot in the Houston loss by scoring a team-high 16 points. Thomas has reached double figures in three of his last five outings, offering a scoring spark off the bench.

For Colorado, Isaiah Johnson (18 points vs. Cincinnati) and Barrington Hargress (14 points) are additional offensive threats. West Virginia relies on backcourt production from Honor Huff, who scored 13 points against Houston, and Treysen Eaglestaff.

The game is part of a challenging stretch for both programs. Following this contest, Colorado hosts Kansas on Tuesday. West Virginia begins a two-game Arizona road trip at Arizona State on Wednesday.

Saturday’s tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST. The series is tied 2-2, with West Virginia winning the most recent meeting in the 2023 NCAA Tournament.