Three keys for CU vs. Marquette

Several factors make the Buffs a scary 10seed for the big boys still dancing. They’ve got NBA talent in at least three, if not more, spots. They (usually) don’t beat themselves. They’ve got an amazing point guard. They’ve got an assured (and fun) finisher in the paint. They’ve got wings with range who prefer the smart play to the flashy one. They can light it up from three when they have to (although coach Tad Boyle doesn’t usually want to). They can play, as they’ve proven the past few days alone, whatever style of game you want. Marquette ticks a lot of the same boxes, especially with All-american point guard Tyler Kolek apparently recovered from an oblique injury that kept him out of the Big East tournament. The Eagles (26-9) are some experts’ Final Four sleeper, and the show that Kolek (18points, 11assists) and guard Kam Jones (28points) put on against Western Kentucky didn’t raise many new red flags. Here are three things that could help CU upset the 2 seed in the South:

1 Hang on to the rock: The Buffs are 15-10when committing as many or more turnovers than their foes. They’re 11-0when the other guys give it away more. Marquette ranks 30th in the country in steals per game (8.6) while the Buffs rank (checks notes) 249th in turnovers per offensive possession (18.1% ratio). That could prove hairy on this stage. Unlike the Gators, the Eagles won’t look to turn a takeaway into the quickest shot possible, every time down the floor. Marquette’s going to pick its spots. And probably slow it down and strangle you with zero-point possessions late, if that’s what gets Shaka Smart over the line.

2 Get to the line (reprise): No, it doesn’t make for the most exciting television. But CU’S secret weapon is the charity stripe. Why? For one thing, it’s a chance for the Buffs to pick up some points that don’t take any time off the clock. For another, Boyle’s guys are really, really good once they reach the bonus. CU ranks just 95th nationally in free-throw rate per shot, but the Buffs make hay once they’re there, as the 10th-best team in the nation in free-throw percentage (78.4). CU is 17-1this season when it picks up more makes from the stripe than its opponents.

3 Be aggressive: The Eagles have given up 80points or more only five times all season, posting a 3-2mark in those tilts. The Buffs, conversely, have hit on 80or more 17 times, winning 16of those contests along the way. If there’s a chance to run, take it. CU is 25-4 when it outshoots the opposition. Release that inner Florida Gator, baby!