3 keys for Colorado basketball in massive Big 12 matchup vs. Texas Tech

It will be the first time these two schools have faced off since the 2010 season. Texas Tech earned the victory in that game by the final score of 82-67.

Colorado’s Alec Burks scored a team-high 24 points in the loss, recording 10 rebounds and two steals.

3 keys to victory for the Colorado against Texas Tech

Defend the three point line

In the Big 12, Texas Tech leads the league with 10.9 three-pointers per game. Tech is also second in the conference shooting 37.7 from beyond the arc. 

Colorado, on the other hand, is allowing 36.6% from deep which is worst in the Big 12.

Christian Anderson is a do-it-all guard who can score, rebound, and assist, making him a player Colorado needs to focus on.

Anderson is averaging 19.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in 15 games this season for the Red Raiders. 

He is shooting 42.5 percent from downtown, so the Buffs will need to keep tabs on him at all times.

Neutralize Jacob Toppin on the glass

In terms of rebounding, Texas Tech's Jacob Toppin is its main source.

The junior forward is tied atop the Big 12 conference averaging 10.9 rebounds per game. 

He notched his fourth-straight double-double in the loss to Houston Tuesday night, recording 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Currently averaging 20.9 points and 10.9 rebounds, he was named to the Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Wednesday afternoon.

He averages a Big 12 best 4.5 offensive rebounds per game.

Colorado needs to put a body or two on him and limit those opportunities.

Continue to play unselfish basketball and force turnovers

When the Buffs play within themselves and as a team, they are at their best.

You get that benefit when you have a solid starting five and a deep bench.

Colorado is fourth in the Big 12 in field goal percentage (49.7%), which can be attributed to their shot selection and unselfish nature.

Both teams are averaging roughly six steals a game, so creating turnovers can be beneficial to both.

It might come down to protecting the ball and controlling the glass in this game.

A packed CU Events Center Saturday could also serve as a major factor, given Colorado's second-to-last average attendance in the Big 12.

True freshman Isaiah Johnson enters this contest leading Colorado in scoring off the bench with 15.6 points.

Four other Buffs’ are scoring in double-figures, including Sebastian Rancik (13.9), Barrington Hargress (13.3), Bangot Dak (11.8), and Alon Michaeli (10.0).