McFarland scores 1,600th point in home loss
The CU women’s basketball team prepared all week to combat the highly touted defense of No. 19 Texas A&M. Their preparation proved not to be enough Wednesday night as the Buffs earned their second conference loss in a row.
Though No. 25 Colorado (12-4, 1-2) led the reigning Big 12 Champions by as many as nine points in the second period, poor rebounding and free-throw shooting held the Buffs to a 68-72 home defeat.
“The outcome was within our control, and we didn’t finish the basketball game,” head coach Kathy McConnell-Miller said.
In the second half, the Buffs shot only 14 of 21 from the foul line and grabbed only 15 rebounds compared to the 30 rebounds in the first half.
“We have got to learn to play with a lead,” McConnell-Miller said.
Wednesday’s disappointing loss came on the heels of a 77-84 double-overtime home loss Sunday to Iowa State.
“We’ve had two great basketball teams on our floor down, and we didn’t capitalize on it,” McConnell-Miller said.
McConnell-Miller also said she did not believe the Aggies’ pressure and physical play took a toll on her players. However, she wanted to play the athletes who could better handle the more physical play on the floor. Junior guard Hannah Skildum fouled out of the game with just over six minutes left in the second half.
“I would have liked to have had Hannah on the floor at the end,” McConnell-Miller said.
Senior guard Susie Powers said the aggressive Aggie style did not surprise the Buffs.
“The coaches prepared us,” Powers said. “We knew that pressure was going to be there. We got over the physical aspect, but late in the game they hit their free-throws, we didn’t hit ours, they got some rebounds, and we didn’t.”
Senior forward Jackie McFarland led the team with 24 points.
On a foul shot early in the second period, McFarland scored her 1,600th point, making her the fifth player in CU history to do so.
Emerging freshman forward Brittany Spears finished the game with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Danielle Gant led the Aggies in scoring with 24 points and standout guard Takia Starks, who celebrated her 21st birthday Wednesday, scored 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.
After the game, Texas A&M head coach Gary Blair praised coach McConnell-Miller and what he believes to be a much-improved CU team.
“Folks, you have a basketball team that can go to the NCAA,” Blair said. “Kathy is doing a great job for you. You better realize just how few good coaches there are around in this country, and you have got a very good one right here.”
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Brad Cochi at bradley.cochi@thecampuspress.com
