Norfolk State @ Colorado preview
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Colorado survived a hot-shooting Dayton team and a second-half injury scare with leading scorer Tyler Bey in its NIT opener. The Buffaloes’ reward is a second-round home game Monday night against Norfolk State, which advanced with a road win over quadrant top-seed Alabama.
Last Tuesday’s 78-73 win over visiting Dayton was a back-and-forth battle that featured 18 lead changes and 10 ties, and Colorado didn’t take control until reeling off a 12-2 run late in the second half. Earlier in the half, Bey had a player roll into the back of his legs under the basket, but was able to return and finish out the game after heading to the locker room to be examined by trainers. Having nearly a week in between games will benefit the recovery for the 6-7 sophomore, who is averaging a team-high 13.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular season-champion Norfolk State entered the NIT as one of four No. 8 seeds but outdueled host Alabama 80-79 in overtime Wednesday to advance.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN2
ABOUT NORFOLK STATE (22-13): The Spartans trailed by as many as 10 points in the first half against the Crimson Tide but outscored the hosts 39-32 in the second half and 13-12 in overtime for the win. Senior guard Derrik Jamerson Jr. scored a career-high 25 points off the bench, including a 7-of-13 shooting performance from 3-point range, and was joined in double figures by guards Nic Thomas (15 points) and Steven Whitley (13) and forward Jordan Butler (11). Thomas (14.4 points per game) and Jamerson (10.7) are the leading scorers for the Spartans while the 6-6 Butler is the leading rebounder with 6.5 per contest.
ABOUT COLORADO (22-12): Guards McKinley Wright and D’Shawn Schwartz scored 19 apiece to pace the Buffs against the Flyers, who kept the pressure on with their 54.5-percent shooting. Colorado, though, finished with a 34-29 rebounding advantage and a 16-8 edge at the free-throw line as it connected on 88.9 percent of its attempts. Bey, Wright (13.3 points) and guard Shane Gatling (10.1) are averaging double figures for Colorado, which shoots 75.1 percent from the free-throw line and owns a healthy 6.5 rebound margin.
TIP-INS
1. Colorado is 14-2 at home and has won seven straight in Boulder while Norfolk State is 9-7 in true road games.
2. Bey has notched double-doubles in seven of his last nine games.
3. Turnovers have been an issue for the Spartans, who average 14.6 per game while averaging 12.8 assists.
PREDICTION: Colorado 76, Norfolk State 68