Colorado, Utah Valley square off in NIT

In an intriguing NIT matchup, the Colorado Buffaloes will face off against the Utah Valley Wolverines on Tuesday. The contest pits two teams with contrasting styles, as the Buffaloes rely on a stifling defense while the Wolverines employ an up-tempo attack.

Colorado enters the contest with an impressive defensive record. The Buffaloes are fourth in the nation in defensive efficiency, allowing just 0.905 points per possession. Colorado’s success on the defensive end can be attributed to their ability to force turnovers and limit second-chance opportunities. The Buffaloes average 8.2 steals per game and allow a minuscule 9.5 offensive rebounds per game, both of which rank in the top 20 in the nation.

On the other side of the floor, the Wolverines have been an offensive juggernaut. Utah Valley averages 77.3 points per game, which ranks in the top 40 in the country. The Wolverines employ a fast-paced offense that relies on ball movement and three-point shooting. Utah Valley averages 15.4 assists per game, which ranks in the top 25 in the nation, and shoots 36.2 percent from beyond the arc, which ranks in the top 50.

Tuesday’s contest promises to be a hard-fought battle between two teams at the peak of their respective games. Colorado will look to rely on their stifling defense to slow down the Wolverines’ offense, while Utah Valley will attempt to use their up-tempo attack to push the pace and outscore the Buffaloes. It should be an exciting game, as the Buffaloes and Wolverines square off in the NIT.