No. 4 Oregon v. No. 3 Colorado

Saturday, March 16
6:00 pm PT, Fox

Oregon came alive in the second half against Arizona and is playing with magic.

The Ducks know they need to win the game to ensure a bid in the NCAA Tournament. The Buffs, on the other hand, are probably in already, even with a loss.

Advantage Oregon.

Despite all the injuries, Dana Altman’s team has rallied. N’Faly Dante and Jermaine Couisnard are playing tough while true freshman Jackson Shelstad scored 21 against the Wildcats.

But Eddie Lampkin has been showing out for the Buffs.

The former TCU transfer is shooting 12-for-20 from the field so far this tournament with an average of 9.5 rebounds per game.

KJ Simpson has been slightly off, shooting 11-of-31 through the two days in Vegas. The First Team All Pac-12 player is still averaging 17.5 points per game and CU’s ability to win without him in top form is noteworthy.

Still, it’s the Pac-12 Championship Game with an auto-bid to the NCAA Tournament on the line. As always in this game, you can throw out most of the analytics and the perceptions of the matchup before the game.

Which team wants it more?

Diving for loose balls, executing plays correctly, and staying focused throughout the whole game is the key. Whichever team can do it the longest and most consistently should come away on top.

For Oregon, limiting turnovers and controlling the pace are the keys. CU likes to run fast but is sloppy with the ball.

If Altman’s team can limit their own turnovers and turn the matchup into a half-court game, the Ducks could get the job done.

For Colorado, winning the battles in the paint could be pivotal. The Ducks have no depth in the frontcourt outside of Dante and could be vulnerable to foul trouble.

As long as Lampkin is playing aggressive without fouling, CU will be in a strong position.

It’s a toss-up game that Colorado should probably win. But with a berth in the Big Dance at stake, the Oregon magic is in the air.

Dane Miller’s Game Picks

2023-24 Pac-12 Tournament Championship	Pick
No. 4 Oregon vs. No. 3 Colorado Mar 16, 6:00 PM PT	Oregon
This Week	7-3-0 (70%)
Overall Record	176-83-0 (68%)