Colorado Basketball: 2019-20 keys for Buffaloes matchup against Dayton

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - DECEMBER 07: Head coach Tad Boyle of the Colorado Buffaloes reacts to a foul call against his team, during their game with the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse on December 07, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

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DAYTON, OHIO – DECEMBER 17: Obi Toppin #1 of the Dayton Flyers (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

1. Colorado needs to control Obi Toppin

Dayton’s Obi Toppin is a national player of the year candidate. The 6’9 220-pound post player is averaging 20.1 ppg, to go along with 8.1 rpg. His style points are off the charts as a lot of his field goals are a result of rim-rattling dunks and thus is shooting 63.9% from the field. The sophomore can also step out and pop the three on occasion, shooting 41.4% (12 for 29).

Colorado’s front line will have a tough time keeping Toppin under control. 6’8 264-pound Evan Battey is a hard worker on defense. He just is not quick enough for Toppin’s spin moves to the hoop. Toppin finished with 21 points and 6 rebounds in 29 minutes against Battey last March.

Battey will need to enlist help from 6’10 senior Lucas Siewert. Siewert can contribute some off-side help and also take on Toppin when Battey will inevitably need a blow.

Coach Tad Boyle could turn to 6’7 junior Tyler Bey to match up with Toppin. Bey is much more athletic than Colorado’s bigs and leads the Buffs in rebounds (10.4 rpg) and blocks (1.7 bpg). Having said that, it will have to be a team effort by Colorado to throttle Dayton’s main man and it will be a big key to this game.

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