The USC Trojans play host to the Colorado Buffaloes on Thursday night in a crucial PAC 12 showdown from the Galen Center. Both teams come into this one battling up-and-down starts to the season, with the Trojans riding a two-game losing streak, while Colorado has a two-game winning streak in their own right. These two only squared off once last season, with the Trojans coming away with the win, which helped snap a seven-game winning streak for Colorado. Being at home should be a huge advantage for the Trojans, though it remains to be seen if that'll be enough for them to snap their losing skid.
The Buffaloes had some confusing losses to start the year but suddenly find themselves as winners of two in a row and seven of their last eight, as they continue to right the ship and climb their way atop the PAC 12 standings. It's helped that they haven't faced a likely NCAA Tournament team in months and with that, the wins have come. Momentum and confidence are high for this group and even though Thursday's game against USC might be the toughest test of the PAC 12 season, the Buffaloes seem well-poised to make this one interesting. The last two games, both wins, have come at home, so going on the road, where they haven't been as lucky at times this season, could be a challenge. Something to keep in mind is Colorado's dominance in this series over the last handful of years, which could help drive momentum toward the away team in this one.
The Buffaloes do have one injury to navigate as they hit th e road in this one. Jalen Gabbidon (knee) is questionable for Thursday night's showdown, which could be his fourth-straight game missed. While Colorado has grabbed the wins without him, their depth could be tested as they hit the road in this one.
The ???????????? points allowed in back to back conference games since 1949 ??#GoBuffs pic.twitter.com/jwUiYhrIMX
— Colorado Men's Basketball (@CUBuffsMBB) January 10, 2023
Colorado's defense has helped them the most over the last few games and if they can welcome Gabbidon back, that should only make them even stronger. They rank in the top 100 nationally in field goal percentage defense, which has helped given their struggles on offense. USC is bound to make life difficult for them to score, though second-chance points could mark a key difference in this one. Tristan da Silva (15.1 ppg) has been a difference-maker and with his size advantage in this one, his performance in the paint expects to be key. It doesn't hurt that the Buffaloes have one of the league's best guards in KJ Simpson (17.9 ppg) and his ability to calm this team down on the road, could make all the difference.