2024 March Madness: Colorado takes on Boise State in Dayton’s First Four

Buffs and Broncos fight for the right to dance on Friday

CU Buffs

The Colorado Buffaloes (24-10) are set to take on the Boise State Broncos (22-10) in Dayton, Ohio for the second day of the First Four matchups. The winner will take on the 7th-seeded Florida Gators on Friday in Indianapolis (2:30 p.m. ET/TV: TBS).

let's dance 😈 pic.twitter.com/7fUFeUUdo8

— Colorado Men's Basketball (@CUBuffsMBB) March 18, 2024

Colorado entered selection Sunday on the bubble after losing in the Pac-12 championship game on Friday against Oregon. Meanwhile, Boise State was knocked out in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West tournament by eventual champion New Mexico Lobos.

Tonight’s game will be the first time the teams have met since 2022. The Broncos ended up victorious in a non-conference game as part of the Myrtle Beach Invitational two years ago. However, the stakes are a lot higher this time. Even if Boise State seemed upset about drawing Colorado as a first round opponent, they're ready to try and advance. 

The Buffs are looking to make their first tournament run since 2021. This also marks the sixth year Colorado has made it in the tournament under head coach Tad Boyle with their last appearance ending in the Round of 32.

one game at a time. #GoBuffs | #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/RwwT2fqvK4

— Colorado Men's Basketball (@CUBuffsMBB) March 20, 2024

The Buffs strong suit this season has been on the offensive side of the ball. They boast the 3rd-ranked unit in the Pac-12, averaging 79.3 points per game this season. Colorado has been led by senior guard KJ Simpson who’s averaged 19.6 points per game and shot just under 48 percent from the field. He has been CU’s undisputed leader and one of the best floor generals in the country. In the last ten games, Simpson’s scoring elevated for the Buffs including a 30-point effort in a double overtime victory over USC during conference play.

On the other end, the Buffaloes allow 71.2 points per contest. They’re also strong on the glass with a +7.4 rebounding advantage over opponents. While Colorado can throw up points, so can Boise State.

The Broncos have the fourth-best scorer in the Mountain West with junior forward Tyson Degenhart averaging 17 points per game. Chibuzo Agbo is an ace beyond the arc, averaging 13.6 points per game and a team-leading 75 3-pointers. As a whole, the Broncos average 75.8 points per game.

Both teams have strong offenses, on paper, but the Broncos have an advantage on the defensive end. BSU has managed to allow opponents 67 points per game this season and still managed to lose ten contests. It will take a strong offensive effort from the Buffs to take down the Broncos.

2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament- First Four

Colorado vs. Boise State

Tip-off: 9:10 p.m. ET

TV: TRU TV (Spero Dedes, Jim Spanarkel and Jon Rothstein)

Radio: KOA (Mark Johnson and Scott Wilke)