Dane Miller's Pac-12 Friday 1st-Round Big Dance Preview


  By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports

   March 22, 2024

The Pac-12 went 4-0 in the Play-In and First Round Games.

The strong start opens the door for multiple teams to make a run.

Colorado plays the lone game today as the Buffs are set to take on 7-seed Florida.

I preview that game here and my pick appears at the bottom.

10-seed Colorado vs. 7-seed Florida

Friday, March 22

1:30 pm PT, TBS

The Gators are the No. 2 rebounding team in the entire country.

Tyrese Samuel leads the way in the interior, averaging 13.8 ppg and 7.5 rpb. At 6-foot-10 and 239 pounds, Samuel’s ability to match up with Eddie Lampkin Jr. will be pivotal.

Florida has depth in its frontcourt, too.

Alex Condon is the alternate option. The 6-foot-11 freshman will get the first start of his career today and he averages 7.7 ppg and 6.3 rpg.

In other words, Florida has weapons up front that Colorado is not used to seeing.

Buffs' Tristan da Silva vs BSU — Colorado’s Tristan da Silva vs. Boise State | Raul Romero Jr./AP

If the Buffs don’t play physical in the paint, Tad Boyle’s team could be in trouble.

To beat the Gators, Colorado will have to limit its turnovers. The SEC team runs the No. 18 pace in the country, per KenPom, with the No. 16 offensive efficiency.

That means Florida will take advantage of any CU mistakes and convert those opportunities into points.

Fast break points could prove pivotal if the game has a high pace.

Yet, if the Buffs win the rebounding and turnover margins, they might be in a position to advance.

Dane Miller’s Game Pick

Pac-12 in 2024 NCAA Tournament	Pick
No. 10 Colorado vs. No. 7 Florida Mar 22, 1:30 PM PT	Florida
This Week	2-1 (66%)
Overall Record	180-84-0 (68%)