No. 8 Buffs Kickoff Pac-12 Play against No. 12 Utes

BOULDER – Colorado and Utah will hit the court for the 43rd time in series history when the two teams open up Pac-12 at the CU Events Center. Saturday's showdown between the conference's mountain squads will have a new twist, though, as it will be the first time both teams have been ranked.

No. 8 Colorado (10-1) and No. 12 Utah (10-2) have an even 21-21 split in the series and a 5-5 record in the last 10 meetings. The Buffs hold a slight edge in head-to-head play in the Pac-12, owning a 14-11 record over the Utes.

"We know that it's a battle every time we've played them [Utah]," head coach JR Payne expressed. "I don't think either team has swept each other so it's always competitive. Both teams are very well coached on both sides of the floor and it's just good competitive teams. Both teams are full of really good kids who just play hard and want to compete. I appreciate that in both programs."

The matchup also marks the first top 15 showdown at the CU Events Center since the No. 12 Buffs hosted No. 1 Texas on Feb. 14, 2004.

The Buffs come into the game ranked ahead of Utah, who was selected Preseason No. 1 in the Pac-12. The Utes are ahead of Colorado in the latest NET rankings, entering the game fourth overall to CU's 24th.

Saturday will be one of the toughest tests to date for the Buffs. CU is 1-1 in ranked games this season, handing then No. 1 LSU a 92-78 loss to open the season but falling to then No. 10 NC State, 78-60, at the Paradise Jam Classic.

The Buffs have averaged 84.0 points per game this season and have had every game decided by 10 or more points. CU's defense will need to be true to form on Saturday as the Utes rank third in the nation with 93.3 points per game behind Alissa Pili's 23.8 scoring average (4th NCAA).

"We've been really focused on what are we doing well and what do we need to improve," Payne continued. "It just feels like there's a lot of areas still to improve – focusing on the basics, learning the scout. Utah's personnel is really important because they have a lot of good players that do a lot of different things. We've been prioritizing our effort, communication, tenacity, just basic things that no matter who you're playing, because every single team we play from here on out is so good. Those things will work against anyone we play."

Colorado is 3-9 in Pac-12 openers, falling last year at Utah, 85-58, to start the conference season. The Buffs evened the score the second time around upsetting the then No. 8 Utes, 77-67, in Boulder. Four Buffs finished in double figures in the win, led by Frida Formann's 20 points.

The two have shared a similar trajectory in recent seasons, with the Buffs and the Utes both advancing to the Sweet 16 last season.

"It's great [to see both teams have success]," Payne added. "I'm a huge fan of Lynne's [Roberts]. She's a really good friend. I know how hard it is to build a program, especially in this conference. It's awesome to see what they've been able to do and the success that they're having. I'm cheering for her every night except for when we play."

Jenny Cavnar and Elise Woodward will call the game for the Pac-12 Network. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. Cory Lopez and Carol Callan will have pregame coverage on the Colorado Radio Network starting at 12:30 p.m.

Fans in attendance will receive a free CU cookie cutter while supplies last.

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Players Mentioned

Frida Formann