The CU women’s basketball team is making a name for itself in the postseason.
On Monday night, Colorado took victory from the University of South Dakota (USD) in the second round of the 2012 Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT).
The Buffs led for all but the beginning of its 64 –55 victory over USD in Vermillion, S.D. Junior guard Chucky Jeffery had 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the game in both categories, marking her eighth double-double of the season.
Senior forward Julie Seabrook handles the ball in the Buffs game against Utah. In the second round of the 2012 Women's National Invitation Tournament defeated University of South Dakota, 64-55. (CU Independent/James Bradbury)
Colorado is now sitting at 20-13 overall, its first 20-win season since 2003-04.
The Buffs outplayed the Coyotes by controlling the paint and the glass. With a 47 – 25 rebounding advantage, the Buffs had 11 second-chance points. All five of Colorado’s starters had at least five rebounds, and sophomore center Rachel Hargis came off the bench to add another seven.
CU came out strong from the start, grabbing the lead 1 minute, 37 seconds into the game and never letting it go. A Jeffery buzzer-beater gave the Buffs a 30 – 23 lead at the break.
Colorado had early turnovers in the second half but righted the ship and held off a late surge by South Dakota to seal the victory. Hargis had four offensive rebounds, all in the second half, which helped the Buffs gain a 16-point lead with 13:50 left in the game.
South Dakota was within five points, with a minute left in the game, after going on an 11 – 5 run. The Buffs kept them at bay though, putting the game away to seal their 20th win of the season. Having not reached this goal in eight years, it was a big milestone for the Buffs.
The Buffaloes will look to get even more wins and continue their run in the WNIT when they host Villanova in a third-round game on Thursday, March 22, at 7 p.m. at the Coors Events Center.
Statistics courtesy of the CU Sports Information Department.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Scott Annis at Robert.annis@colorado.edu.
