Colorado Buffaloes (6-2) vs. Miami Hurricanes (7-1)
The Colorado Buffaloes enter this matchup with a 6-2 record, while the Miami Hurricanes are 7-1 on the season so far. With conference play heating up, this non-conference showdown has major implications for the NCAA Tournament resumes of both squads. Fans and bettors alike are eagerly lining up their NCAAB picks today for this thrilling encounter.
The Buffaloes have leaned on explosive guard KJ Simpson, who is averaging 19.4 points and 4.4 assists per game. Simpson’s scoring prowess has powered an offense scoring 83.8 points per contest. Defensively, Colorado is holding opponents to low shooting percentages but is vulnerable to giving up offensive rebounds.
Miami boasts exceptional balance, with four players averaging double figures led by guard Wooga Poplar at 16.5 per game. The Hurricanes light up the scoreboard with 84.6 points each time out, aided by converting 42.5% on threes. Miami also protects the rim well, rejecting four shots per game. Their aggressive defense can be prone to fouling, however.
Colorado Buffaloes vs. Miami Hurricanes Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 10, 2023, at 2:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Barclays Center |
| TV: | ESP2 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
KJ Simpson (Guard) vs. Wooga Poplar (Guard)
KJ Simpson has taken a monumental leap as a sophomore, increasing his scoring average by over 10 points per game to emerge as Colorado’s offensive catalyst. His percentages are outstanding across the board, and Simpson can take over games with his quickness attacking off the dribble or pulling up from deep. He will need to avoid foul trouble and turnovers. Defensively, he racks up steals but can struggle against bigger guards.
Wooga Poplar is the engine that makes Miami go, able to generate offense for himself as well as teammates via his distribution. He has cut down on turnovers this season while shooting efficiently from all levels. Poplar is also one of the Hurricanes’ top rebounders and a pesky defender who forces mistakes. Though not a high-volume three-point shooter, he has the ability to get hot from outside.
This matchup pits two multifaceted guards against one another who have shown the ability to single-handedly swing games. Simpson has more explosive individual scoring ability, while Poplar is better at getting teammates involved. Whichever player can maximize their strengths while containing the other figures to tip the scales for their squad.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, but given the teams’ performances and trends, it will likely be a closely contested affair. Bettors should keep an eye on the updates for a more informed betting decision.
Colorado Buffaloes Betting Trends
Colorado has been slightly better playing under the total this year, going under in 21 of 34 contests. This reflects their pace of play not lending itself to shootouts. The Buffaloes’ under trend is even stronger away from home, hitting in eight of 14 road matchups. However, Colorado has eclipsed their team total in 13 of the past 34. With Miami’s propensity to score, this could potentially push the game over.
Miami Hurricanes Betting Trends
In contrast to Colorado’s under tendencies, the Hurricanes have been a consistent over team thanks to their high-flying offense. Miami has gone over their team total in 24 of 36 outings, while also exceeding the first half total 23 times. Bettors can reasonably count on the Hurricanes to put up points. Miami has also rewarded its backers against the spread, covering in 26 of 34.
Colorado Buffaloes vs. Miami Hurricanes 12/10/23 Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ strengths and weaknesses, this game seems poised for a high-scoring affair, with the edge slightly in favor of the Miami Hurricanes. Their consistent performance in maintaining a high scoring pace and their superior three-point shooting give them an advantage.
In terms of betting, the smart pick seems to be in favor of the Hurricanes, especially for Moneyline and Over bets in the first half. However, the Buffaloes’ strong start cannot be discounted, and top online casino suggest considering the Buffaloes for first-half spreads could be a viable option.
