Boulder – Ordinarily, the Colorado men’s basketball game today against Central Florida could be considered a final “tuneup” for the Big 12 Conference schedule. But this might feel more like a cram-course refresher.
Having not played in 25 days, CU may need to relearn how to deal with game situations. Because of cancellations of two games during the snowstorms, Colorado (3-6) hasn’t suited up since a 72-69 home loss to Colorado State on Dec. 9. The Buffs begin Big 12 play Saturday at home against Texas.
“This is almost like starting a new season; (25) is about the number of days we had to practice before the season started,” CU coach Ricardo Patton said Tuesday.
“The good thing is we needed more practice going into the Big 12,” senior guard Dominique Coleman added.
Today’s 5:30 p.m. men’s game tips off a doubleheader at the Coors Events Center. The women’s team (6-6) opens its Big 12 schedule at 8 p.m. against Missouri (12-1).
Last weekend, Texas Christian canceled its men’s game against CU when the Horned Frogs declined to board a plane Friday for Boulder, although the flight was not canceled. The CU women also had a Saturday game canceled when Houston decided not to travel, although by Friday afternoon weather forecasters already had downgraded the severity of the snowstorm in the Denver area.
Considering that TCU now plays in the Mountain West Conference, the Horned Frogs had better get accustomed to snow and travel challenges.
“(TCU coach Neil Dougherty) was confident they could get in; he was concerned about the return,” Patton said. “But that’s college athletics – if you can get out, I think you have to come.”
The best win for Central Florida (10-2) was 67-61 over Utah at a tournament in Puerto Rico.
“They really like to push the ball up the floor,” said Patton, who spent much of the past 3 1/2 weeks installing a faster- paced game plan.
CU women’s coach Kathy McConnell-Miller welcomed the return of post players Kara Richards (10 points, four rebounds) and Aija Putnina (no points, four rebounds) in a 76-61 home victory over Cal State Bakersfield on Thursday.
Richards missed seven games and Putnina two, both with foot problems.
Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
