The Big 12 Conference is loaded with talented teams, as Colorado and TCU both experienced earlier this week.
Both are coming off losses to top-10 opponents and one of them will salvage the week when they meet Sunday afternoon in Boulder, Colo.
Colorado (12-9, 2-6 Big 12) was routed at No. 8 Iowa State on Thursday for its sixth straight loss. The Buffaloes’ 97-67 thumping wasn’t competitive as they allowed the Cyclones to shoot 61.4% from the field.
“At some point you’ve got to look yourself in the mirror,” Colorado coach Tad Boyle said. “There’s good players in this league. There’s good coaches in this league. There’s good defenses in this league. We’re just not one of them.”
The Buffaloes possess young talent, starting with freshman Isaiah Johnson, who leads the team with 16.6 points per game, and Sebastian Rancik (13.0 points per game). Barrington Hargress averages 14.0 points and a team-high 4.5 assists.
TCU (13-8, 3-5) is coming off a 79-70 home defeat to No. 10 Houston on Wednesday, its fifth loss in seven games. Xavier Edmonds had 18 points against the Cougars and has become a force for the Horned Frogs in his first season after moving up from junior college.
Edmonds is averaging 12.0 points and 5.3 rebounds in 21 games this season but has been even more impactful over the last five games, contributing 17.2 points and 8.8 boards in that span.
He also has become a defensive force.
“Defensively he’s been better than we anticipated,” TCU coach Jamie Dixon said. “He’s been coachable, and we knew he had good feet. He’s done some good things, probably better than most guys new to this level. Offensively, he’s always had a knack and a feel.”
The Horned Frogs are led in scoring and rebounding by David Punch, who is averaging 14.6 and 7.4, respectively. Jayden Pierre, at 10.8 points, is the only other player scoring in double figures.
