Colorado is gearing up for the rugged Big 12 schedule, but first the Buffaloes wrap up their nonconference slate with two more games, starting Friday night when they host South Dakota State in Boulder, Colo.

Colorado (7-2) has won two straight after competing in the Maui Invitational, most recently a 72-55 win over in-state rival Colorado State. Now the focus turns to South Dakota State and shoring up issues before conference play.

“Defensively, we’re understanding what our jobs are. Now, we’re not where we need to be for sure,” coach Tad Boyle said. “But we’re making strides in that area. And I think the guys are getting used to playing with each other, understanding each other.”

The Buffaloes lost a lot of talent from last year’s NCAA Tournament team but boast some quality players. Andrej Jakimovski (13.0 points per game), Julian Hammond III (12.3 ppg) and Elijah Moore (12.0 ppg) lead the team in scoring.

Sophomore big man Bangot Dak has shown he can be a force after scoring a career-high 16 points in the win over Colorado State.

The Jackrabbits (8-4) are coming off a 77-63 loss at Nevada on Wednesday night and complete a two-game trip in Boulder.

South Dakota State is led by senior center Oscar Cluff, who tops the team in scoring (17.3 points) and rebounding (11.0) but had a subpar night against Nevada when he scored a season-low six points while battling an ankle injury.

“I wish he was feeling a little better,” coach Eric Henderson said of Cluff. “He’s going to be fine, but he’s still nursing that ankle a little bit.”

Freshman Joe Sayler is second on the team in scoring at 12.8 ppg and has reached double figures in each of the last three games. Sophomore Kalen Garry is third on the Jackrabbits in scoring at 9.6 per contest, an average that has been hurt by his last three games when he has averaged just 5.3 points.

–Field Level Media