Colorado vs. Eastern Washington: Rebounding and Efficiency – A 2025 College Basketball Preview
The numbers don’t lie: last season, Colorado averaged 31.9 rebounds per game, consistently outrebounding opponents – including Eastern Washington – by a significant 4.5 boards. But raw rebounding numbers only tell part of the story. As the Buffaloes prepare to face the Eagles on November 8th, 2025, a deeper dive into the statistical discrepancies between these two teams reveals a potential blueprint for success, and highlights areas where Eastern Washington can challenge Colorado’s dominance. This isn’t just about who grabs the most boards; it’s about how those rebounds translate into scoring opportunities and overall game control.
The Rebounding Disparity: Beyond the Raw Numbers
Colorado’s rebounding prowess is noteworthy, ranking 182nd nationally, while Eastern Washington languished at 349th. However, simply focusing on these rankings overlooks a crucial factor: shooting efficiency. The Buffaloes shot 44.4% from the field, 2.3 percentage points lower than the 46.7% the Eagles allowed. This suggests Colorado often found themselves with second-chance opportunities, contributing to their rebounding advantage. Conversely, Eastern Washington’s 45.6% field goal percentage – 2.4% higher than what Colorado’s opponents managed – indicates a more efficient offense that potentially limited the Buffaloes’ rebounding opportunities against other teams.
This dynamic sets the stage for an intriguing matchup. If Eastern Washington can maintain or even improve their shooting efficiency against Colorado, they could significantly reduce the Buffaloes’ rebounding edge. A key player to watch will be Andrew Cook, who led the Eagles last year with 15.8 points per game on a stellar 54.4% shooting clip. His ability to consistently convert shots will be paramount.
Key Players and Statistical Insights
Colorado will look to Julian Hammond III and Andrej Jakimovski to lead the charge. Hammond’s all-around game – 12.5 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game – makes him a versatile threat. Jakimovski’s rebounding (5.0 per game) and three-point shooting (1.6 made per game) provide valuable contributions. However, Eastern Washington’s Nic McClain (3.7 assists, 10.6 points) and Mason Williams (13.9 points, 2.4 assists) present a formidable backcourt challenge.
Defensively, Bangot Dak’s 1.3 blocks per game for Colorado will be crucial in disrupting Eastern Washington’s offensive flow. On the Eagles’ side, Sebastian Hartmann’s defensive stats (0.6 steals, 0.4 blocks) suggest a player who actively contributes to disrupting opponents, but Colorado’s overall size and rebounding strength will likely test his limits.
The Importance of Second-Chance Points
Last season, the Buffaloes averaged 69.7 points per game, 5.8 fewer than the Eagles conceded. Eastern Washington, meanwhile, scored just 0.6 fewer points than Colorado allowed. This suggests both teams have room for improvement on the offensive end. However, the rebounding differential gives Colorado a distinct advantage in generating second-chance points – a critical factor in close games. The ability to capitalize on those extra possessions could be the deciding factor in this November 8th contest.
Looking Ahead: Efficiency as the Deciding Factor
The Colorado vs. Eastern Washington matchup isn’t simply about who’s bigger or stronger on the boards. It’s a clash of styles: Colorado’s rebounding-focused approach versus Eastern Washington’s emphasis on shooting efficiency. The Eagles’ ability to consistently knock down shots will be the key to neutralizing Colorado’s rebounding advantage and keeping the game competitive. Expect a tightly contested battle where every possession counts. The team that can control the pace and maximize their scoring opportunities through efficient shooting will ultimately emerge victorious.
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Learn more about the importance of rebounding in college basketball: College Basketball Rebounding Strategies
Explore official NCAA basketball statistics: NCAA Basketball Statistics
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