The once potent and even clutch women’s basketball team can’t find ways to win close games in the final moments in its first year in the Pac-12 Conference.
Junior gaurd Chucky Jeffrey rises up over Oregon sophomore forward Danielle Love and freshman forward Liz Brenner in the 64-62 loss to the Ducks on Thursday, March 1, 2012. Jeffrey led the Buffs with 19 points on the night. (CU Independent/Robert R. Denton)
The Oregon Ducks came into Boulder and clipped the Buffs in a very tight 64-62 game Thursday night at the Coors Events Center .
“We just have to believe we can win those close games during the season,” said head coach Linda Lappe. “We’ve just got to get back to it, there’s no reason why we can’t.”
Colorado was tied with the Ducks at halftime, 30-30. Oregon tried to pull away several times, including an 8-0 run early in the second half, but the Buffs were always there to respond and keep the game close.
“It was a game of runs I thought. No run was too large; it was a pretty close game all the way through,” Lappe recalled.
The Buffs tied the game with 2:16 remaining on a Lexy Kresl three pointer. Oregon’s Laura Stanulis and Ariel Thomas each made a free throw and Colorado missed a pair to give the Ducks the two-point ending margin.
“We just couldn’t get it done to end the game on top,” Lappe continued.
Brittany Wilson had an opportunity to send the game into overtime, but her floater missed off the rim. And while this one play could have given the Buffs a second life there were many plays that happened throughout the game that also made a difference in the Buffs’ .
“Anytime there’s a close game, there’s no one shot or one play that loses you the game,” Lappe said. She also spoke of missed free throws and poor box out on rebounds that cost her team the game.
Chucky Jeffery scored 19 points for Colorado off the bench.
“It was something we felt like was best for our team and we wanted to bring her off the bench,” said Lappe.
Also, senior Julie Seabrook had one of her best all-around games this season. She racked up 16 points and eight rebounds. Her final game in Boulder (pending an NIT berth, which could allow the Buffs to play at home again this season) will be Saturday against Oregon State at 4 p.m.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Andy McDonnell at Andy.mcdonnell@colorado.edu
