Colorado senior forward Jackie McFarland didn’t want to come right out and say that proving the Big 12 women’s basketball preseason poll wrong serves as a team motto.
But her smile gave it away.
“It’s maybe not something at the top of our list,” McFarland said. “But being picked so low does serve as motivation for us.”
In an October vote of the league’s coaches, Colorado was picked to finish 11th, only ahead of Missouri. Don’t look now, but the Buffaloes (11-2) carry a No. 23 ranking in The Associated Press poll into tonight’s Big 12 opener at Missouri (7-6).
“This is why I came here,” McFarland said of the national ranking. “That hard work is finally paying off.”
Colorado, 13-17 in 2006-07, has been ranked by AP for the past three weeks, the first appearances in three seasons under coach Kathy McConnell-Miller. CU is riding a 10-game winning streak, the first since the 1994-95 squad won 25 straight. Trouble is, five other Big 12 teams also are ranked.
“Our team knows what monster lies ahead,” McConnell-Miller said.
Winning as expected. Oklahoma: The Sooners (9-2) are ranked sixth nationally and can say, “We have the Paris sisters, 6-4 Courtney (16.3 points, 16.3 rebounds) and 6-3 Ashley (13.2, 6.9), and nobody else has!”
Unexpected challenge. Colorado: It may be premature to think the Buffs can contend for the league title, but they might challenge for an NCAA Tournament berth. Inserting 6-1 freshman Brittany Spears and 6-3 sophomore Aija Putnina into the starting lineup at forward with McFarland has provided more offense and rebounding.
Struggling as expected. Missouri: The Tigers lost three senior starters from last season and are depending on youth.
Unexpected disappointment. Kansas State: The Wildcats (8-5) apparently have run out of in-state stars and are trying to win with defense.
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
Players to watch
Courtney Paris, F, Oklahoma, Jr.: The double-double machine is a cinch All-American again.
Jackie McFarland, F, Colorado, Sr.: Ranks second in Big 12 shooting (.583), third in scoring (17.3) and sixth in rebounding (8.1).
Takia Starks, G, Texas A&M, Jr.: Athletic scorer (17.5) is a big reason why Aggies are picked to win the title.
Andrea Riley, G, Oklahoma State, So.: Pint-sized (5-5) blur tops the conference in scoring (20.5).
A’Quonesia Franklin, G, Texas A&M, Sr.: Teams with Starks for one of nation’s top backcourts.
Newcomers to watch
Dominic Seals, F, Texas Tech, Jr.: Second-year Red Raiders coach Kristy Curry isn’t afraid to sign junior-college players.
Brittany Spears, F, Colorado, Fr.: Singing is not her thing but can she ever find the hoop (13.5).
Shakara Jones, F, Missouri, Fr.: In-state product producing 12.6 points and 6.9 rebounds.
Danielle Robinson, G, Oklahoma, Fr.: Already a three-time Big 12 rookie of the week.
Kathleen Nash, F, Texas, Fr.: Provides scoring (10.1) and rebounding (7.0) for new Longhorns coach Gail Goestenkors.
Biggest wins
Baylor (then No. 13) 69, California (No. 12) 56
Colorado 62, Vanderbilt (No. 20) 51
Colorado 69, Wyoming (No. 21) 55
Texas (No. 19) 62, Arizona State (No. 22) 51
Texas Tech 73, Arizona State (No. 18) 69
Worst losses
South Dakota State 78, Missouri 63
Samford 65, Missouri 49
Siena 83, Colorado 74
Southern Methodist 68, Kansas 56
Texas Christian 97, Oklahoma State 63
Games to watch
Jan. 12, Oklahoma at Oklahoma State
Jan. 16, Texas A&M at Colorado
Feb. 2, Texas A&M at Texas
Feb. 17, Oklahoma at Baylor
March 1, Baylor at Texas A&M
