I actually feel pretty good about the Pokes in this game. While far from a guaranteed win, I think the Pokes have a better chance in this game than they did @DU or against SMU. Northern Colorado is a decent basketball team, but you really need to be a significantly better basketball team than the team you are facing to win on the road in college basketball. I really think the Cowboys get back in the win column today, in large part because this game is in the AA.
Player to Watch: Derrick Barden (F, 6'5, 225 lbs, Sr.)
Barden was a solid player in his first season at UNC last year after transferring in from Odessa JC, but he has been even better this year. He's a stockier, more offensively talented version of our own Derrick Cooke Jr. Not only is he a significant offensive threat, but his real strength is his rebounding. The Pokes will have to work hard to keep him off the offensive glass. One thing he does not do well is shoot free throws. I'd look to put him on the line anytime he gets the ball in scoring position, but our poor depth may limit our ability to do that. The Cowboys did a good job of containing Barden last year. A repeat performance will go a long ways toward beating UNC for the second straight year.