Men’s basketball: Visit from struggling Bellarmine finishes CU Buffs’ nonconference slate

A welcome and much-needed respite is around the corner, with the crux of the college basketball season to follow.

Still, one last nonconference trail remains for the Colorado mens basketball team, one that will serve as a test of the Buffaloes focus.

CU completes the nonconference slate on Saturday against Bellarmine, a club that has struggled recently with injuries and will be playing its second game at altitude in less than 48 hours.

It hasnt been a perfect nonconference run for the Buffs, but considering the new-look roster and the clubs general inexperience overall, it has been an encouraging one nonetheless.

That, however, will be out the window if the Buffs stumble against Bellarmine.

Two of the most dangerous games on our schedule are the ones we play before finals, and the one were playing coming out of finals.

And ahead of a break for our guys, CU head coach Tad Boyle said.

Which they deserve and theyre looking forward to.

So its about taking care of business.

And its about understanding that Bellarmine is a team that is averaging, over 12 games being banged up, being without their leading scorer the last five games theyre averaging 75 points per game.

So they can score the ball.

They make about 10 threes a game.

They can shoot.

They run their offense very, very well.

And its a team where if you are not dialed-in and you are not disciplined defensively, theyre going to make you pay.

And were going to have to really shoot the ball and score the ball at a high, high rate to beat them.

So, the key is we have to guard for 40 minutes.

Following the game, the Buffs will be allowed to travel home for a few days before returning to Boulder to resume practice on Dec.

26.

CU tips off the Big 12 Conference schedule with a rematch against No.

3 Iowa State on Dec.

30.

Bellarmine, in its fifth season of Division I play after ranking as a national power at the Division II level, suffered a 37-point loss at Wyoming on Thursday night and has played shorthanded in recent weeks.

Forward Jack Karasinski, a transfer from William & Mary who is shooting over 60% while averaging a team-leading 16.9 points per game, has missed the past five games due to an injury.

Dylan Branson, a graduate transfer from Southeast Missouri State who is the Knights fourth-leading scorer (8.6) and second-leading rebounder (4.6), missed Thursdays loss at Wyoming.

The Buffs have posted a solid overall defensive 3-point percentage (.314) but still have been vulnerable against teams that shoot a high volume from the arc, with four of CUs first 10 opponents hitting at least 11 3-pointers against the Buffs.

That perimeter defense will be tested again, as Bellarmine averages about 27 3-point attempts a game with a .366 percentage.

Thats a team that shoots a lot of threes, and we have to be ready for it, CU senior guard Julian Hammond III said.

They have been hurt, but they have guys that can get hot for them.

That can make a game that shouldnt be close a lot closer than it should be.

Weve just got to stay focused and not look forward to the break and then to Iowa State.

Just be locked in right here.

Bellarmine Knights at CU Buffs mens basketball TIPOFF : Saturday, 1 p.m., CU Events Center.

TV/RADIO : ESPN+/KOA 850 AM and 94.1 FM RECORDS : Bellarmine 3-9; Colorado 8-2.

COACHES : Bellarmine Scott Davenport, 20th season (424-180 at Bellarmine and overall).

Colorado Tad Boyle, 15th season (306-185, 362-251 overall).

KEY PLAYERS : Bellarmine F Jack Karasinski, 6-7, Jr.

(16.9 ppg, .612 FG%); G Ben Johnson, 6-3, R-Jr.

(13.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.2 apg); G Billy Smith, 6-7, Jr.

(12.8 ppg, 2.4 apg, .403 3%); F Dylan Branson, 6-5, Gr.

(8.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg); F Curt Hopf, 6-8, R-Jr.

(4.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg).

Colorado G Julian Hammond III, 6-2, Sr.

(13.4 ppg, 3.4 apg, .444 3%); C Elijah Malone, 6-10, Gr.

(12.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, .653 FG%); F Andrej Jakimovski, 6-8, Gr.

(12.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg); F Trevor Baskin, 6-9, Gr.

(9.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, .519 FG%); G RJ Smith, 6-3, R-So.

(7.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.5 apg, .586 3%); F Bangot Dak, 6-11, So.

(6.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg); G Javon Ruffin, 6-5, R-Jr.

(5.4 ppg, 2.1 apg).

NOTES : Buffs fans will have a chance to check out Travis Hunters Heisman Trophy and send the CU football team off to the Alamo Bowl.

Hunter will be honored before the game, and the trophy will be on display in Chips Corral in the Boedecker Gym, where fans can take photos with the trophy beginning at 11:30 a.m.

(the Heisman also will be available for photos in the same location ahead of Saturdays womens game beginning at 4:30 p.m.).

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At halftime, the entire football team will be recognized before the Buffs begin the journey to San Antonio.

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Prior to joining the Atlantic Sun Conference, Davenport led Bellarmine to four Division II Final Fours, including the 2011 national championship.

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The Knights won the 2022 ASUN tournament championship in just its second year in the league, but remained ineligible for the NCAA Tournament due to the transition period from Division II.

This season is the first in which Bellarmine is eligible for the NCAA Tournament and the NIT.

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Bellarmine has lost 10 consecutive road games.

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CU freshman Sebastian Rancik is expected to play after missing last weeks win against South Dakota State while healing from a facial fracture..

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