BOULDER — Four players scored in double figures for Colorado — led by Aija Putnina’s game-high 15 points and 12 rebounds — as the Buffaloes defeated Rice in the consolation game of the Coors Classic at the Coors Events Center.
Clemson won the tournament with a 77-67 win over Siena.
Jackie McFarland added 12 points and 11 rebounds for Colorado (2-2), which lost to Siena 83-74 in a tournament game Friday. Putnina was making her first start since Dec. 7, 2006.
“Being in the starting lineup gave me a lot of confidence,” Putnina said. “I know that Coach (Kathy McConnell-Miller) is counting on me and wants me to do a good job in there.”
Susie Powers’ 11 points and Brittany Spears’ 10 were CU’s other double-figure contributions.
Valeriy Berezhynska and Kadie Riverin each scored 14 points to pace Rice (5-3).
Colorado, which led 39-31 at halftime, pulled away in the second half.
