3 Keys for Colorado Basketball to upset UCLA Bruins in Pac-12 matchup

Contain Jaime Jaquez Jr!

On January 14th, UCLA Bruins Senior guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. erupted for 23 points and 13 rebounds in a home win against the Colorado Buffaloes. Jaquez is a big pat of the reason the Bruins are ranked fourth in the Nation and are considered strong candidates to receive a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament. If Colorado wants to upset their Pac-12 rival on Sunday, they must start by containing their opponent’s National Player of The Year candidate.

Jaquez has been on a tear as of late. During the Bruins’ current seven-game winning streak, he has scored 20 or more points on five occasions, including each of the last four games. When a player with as much experience in big games as Jaquez gets into a groove, it is hard to slow him down. The Buffaloes’ best strategy is to play ball-denial defense on him and limit his touches. Once he does get the ball they must be sure to contest every shot. An elite player like Jaquez is bound to make some difficult looks; the key is to make those attempts as tough as possible and downgrade his efficiency.

With a record of 15 wins and 14 losses, an NCAA Tournament appearance may no longer be realistic for the Colorado Buffaloes. However, another invitation to the NIT is still within reach. If the team focuses on finishing the regular season strong and follows up with a solid performance in the Pac-12 Tournament, the result may be more postseason play.

A win over the Conference leading UCLA Bruins would certainly be their signature win of the season. If they play great on-ball defense, take care of the basketball and contain their opponent’s star player anything is possible in front of their hometown fans.