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November 27 Sheet

Colorado (+2) at New Mexico State - 6:05pm Pacific
In most cases it is a good idea to play on Big 12 teams in non-conference play right now. I like the look of this years Colorado team. Ricardo Patton remains a hot item in the coaching ranks, most recently turning down the job at MTSU as mentioned in previous analysis. The Buffs went just 15-14 last year but had a number of setbacks. This season everything seems to be falling into place for them.

They return their top four scorers (all over double digits) from last season. 7-0 center David Harrison had enough raw talent to go straight to the NBA from high school. Not only did he play at CU last year (13.9ppg, 7.0rpg, honorable mention Big 12), but he has even come back for his sophomore season. Harrison was in poor shape and was slowed by nagging injuries almost all season last year or he would have done even more damage. This year he is said to be moving much better and is much improved. In two games against a decent Cal Poly SLO (from Big West conference), and against an inferior Stetson team, Harrison has averaged 24.5ppg, 11.5rpg, and 8 blocks per game! He is complimented very nicely by 6-9 senior power forward Stephane Pelle who is a rebounding machine (21 in last game) and can finish strong inside. Athletic 6-6 junior Michel Morandis (10.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.8apg last year) starts at the #3 position and can do a little bit of everything. These three give CU a starting frontcourt that is comparable to any.

Starting senior point guard Mookie Wright (8.2ppg, 4.9apg last season) was just reinstated from suspension prior to Stetson game and played 10 minutes off the bench. His minutes should increase tonight in teams first road game, especially if current starter, freshman Antoine McGee, struggles at all. McGee is said to be a better fit for this team at point guard anyway, but Wright's availability is a big plus. Junior Blair Wilson (12.3ppg last season, 9 3's in two games this year) starts at the #2. Off the bench freshman guard Jayson Obazuaye has looked great early on and JC transfer forward Lamar Harris adds toughness and defense inside.

New Mexico State is coming off a 20-12 season, but they played a fairly easy schedule. Outside of Western Kentucky, the Sun Belt conference is nothing to write home about. NMSU's only recognizable non-conference opponents last year were New Mexico (twice), San Diego State, UTEP (twice), Texas Tech, and Washington. Not an imposing list of teams compared to what CU faces, but even so the Aggies went just 2-5 in these games despite playing five of them at home.

Aggies lost leading their scorer Eric Channing (16.2ppg) to graduation. They expected to have four starters returning this year, but two key starters have been declared ineligible until December 14th. Junior forward James Moore (leading returning scorer, 2nd leading rebounder) & 6-10 senior center Chris Jackson (4th in scoring, first in rebounding last season) are the two casualties. They are by far the teams best inside scorers, rebounders, and shotblockers. They will be missed badly on both sides of the floor tonight vs an imposing CU front-line. Aggies will go with two undersized and little used juniors as starters in the front court. 6-8 James Felder (2.1ppg last year) at center and 6-6 Kelsey Crooks (4.8ppg last year) will have their work cut out for them. Meanwhile, NMSU's other marquee returning starter Brandon Mason (11.4ppg last year) was suspended for both exhibition games for underage drinking, did not start season opener, and only played 24 minutes in last game vs Tulsa. He is said to still be in the coaches doghouse. NMSU just got by a Texas Pan-American team who returned only 1 starter, 62-59 and lost to Tulsa by 10 in following game at South Padre Invitational.

NMSU did not sell out a single game last year averaging just over 8000 fans in an arena with 13,000+ capacity. Unlikely this Thanksgiving eve contest will attract a huge crowd despite it being their home opener. This will be a good test for CU, but with the size and talent advantages they hold inside should pass with flying colors. NMSU head coach Henson on Colorado, "We don't match up well with them at all." This is said to be the best looking CU team in years with a legitimate shot at making the NCAA tournament. Their 28 point win over Cal Poly as a -14 favorite is a positive sign. Oddsmakers may have more catching up to do after tonight.

Colorado  1 UNIT

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