CU women knock off No. 21-ranked Wyoming, improve to 5-2
Victory is sweet.
Nobody knows it better than the CU women’s basketball team, which upset No. 21-ranked Wyoming on Wed., 69-55.
“It is a great time to be a Buff,” said Head Coach Kathy McConnell-Miller.
The Buffs came into the game right after beating instate-rival Colorado State in Fort Collins on Dec. 1. Timing was a factor for the Buffs Wednesday night.
“This game came at a pivotal time, and we really took advantage of that,” McConnell-Miller said.
CU had a small lead at the end of the first half, barely clinging on 27-26. As the second half began, the team came out on fire, scoring 42 points to Wyoming’s 29. CU held the lead throughout the second half. Even though Wyoming came into the game ranked, the Buffs had a feeling that this one would turn their way.
“I felt that we were going to win the game. At times throughout, I had troubles not smiling,” said senior guard Susie Powers.
For many of the players, it was a career-high game. Freshman forward Brittany Spears had a career high in points, and Powers had nine assists. Sophomore forward Aija Putnina had 12 rebounds, contributing to one-third of the team’s total.
“It was one of the favorite wins of my career, definitely got things moving,” said senior forward Jackie McFarland.
The last ranked team CU defeated was Baylor, and the highest ranked team the Buffs beat was the 2003-04 Notre Dame squad. CU’s Powers played on that Notre Dame team before transferring to Colorado.
This game was also huge for sophomore guard Bianca Smith, who scored 16 points while shooting 4-7 from behind the arc.
“She is definitely one of the best shooters that I’ve ever played with,” McFarland said.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Justin Sedgwick at justin.sedgwick@thecampuspress.com
