Colorado Basketball: 2019-20 keys for Buffaloes to beat Kansas

2. Colorado can be extra feisty on defense because Kansas struggles at the free-throw line

The next key to a Colorado upset is a defensive one for the Buffaloes. They can take chances and be extra aggressive on defense, in order to take advantage of Kansas’ struggles at the free-throw line. Azubuike’s struggles at the charity stripe have been well documented and those struggles have continued this season, but it’s not just the big man, the team as a whole has struggled.

Azubuike shoots just 40% from the line, but as a team, they shoot just 66%, and those struggles manifested themselves in their opener against Duke where they missed 10 of their 26 attempts. Outside of Dotson and Isaiah Moss (who has only attempted nine on the season), no Jayhawk that averages double-digit minutes averages more than David McCormack’s 66.7%.

Because of that, Colorado, who isn’t normally aggressive, ranking 8th in the country in fouls per game with 13.4 and 8th in overall fouls (94) can attack Kansas while on defense. Colorado also swipes seven balls per game and I expect them to grab at least that many if they are to knock off No. 2 Kansas. The Jayhawks average 21 free throw attempts per game, and if they are at the line that much in this game, that could be good news for Colorado.