Colorado ended a three game losing streak by waxing Northern Colorado Monday night in Boulder 92-65. The easy win came on the heals of three consecutive conference losses, two at home.
The formula Monday night was simple for the Buffs, move the ball around against UNC’s 2-3 zone and find either a cutter or a wide-open trey. Additionally, the Buffs pummeled the Bears on the boards, winning the battle 53-22.
Jackie McFarland had her 12th double-double of the season with 29 points (in 30 minutes) and 13 rebounds. Playing one of her best games of the season was junior post Anna Nedovic who also recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Jasmina Ilic scored 17 points and dished out a career high seven assists before exiting the game with a shoulder injury. Rounding out double figure scoring for the Buffs was Whitney Law who was perfect from the floor and the line in scoring 15 points.
The Buffs’ victory over UNC came two days after their loss at Texas Tech in which they played even with the Lady Raiders for about 13 minutes before the Raiders were able to go on a 16-2 run. The run was fueled in part by Buff turnovers. This isn’t the first time the Buffs have experienced a meltdown in the last portion of the first half; it seems to be their MO on the road in conference games.
Colorado’s two home conference losses preceding the TT game were winnable games that got away from the Buffs in the final minutes. CU had a six point lead late in the second half before turnovers and UT’s Erika Arriaran and Mariana Mergerson were able to give UT a 69-64 victory.
Similar to the loss to UT, CU had a lead over Kansas State late in the game only to see the Wildcats take the lead in the waning minutes while the Buffs were unable to take advantage of missed FTs to get themselves back into the lead. The key play occurred with about 14 seconds left with KSU leading by two and the ball in the Buffs possession. CU took an ill advised shot which effectively ended their chances at winning the game. The final score was 67-62 Wildcats.
Colorado (8-17) hosts Missouri Saturday night.
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MarkW
HoopScoop.net
