BOULDER — Colorado’s offense banked on the best two players at the Coors Event Center on Wednesday night: guard Brittany Spears and center Kara Richards. Both had career highs, combining for 49 points in a rout of rival Colorado State 93-63 before 3,588 fans.
While helping the Buffs (2-0) improve their in-state series advantage to 30-10, Spears used a torrid touch from the outset to post a career high-tying 24 points. It was the eighth career double-double for the 6-foot-1 sophomore from Pasadena, Calif.
In the late stages, the Buffs took advantage of Richards’ abilities in the low post. She scored 25 points.
The rivalry game featured a player who has worn both colors: Kelly Jo Mullaney. The daughter of former CSU stalwart and Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Mark Mullaney started her college career in Fort Collins but was suspended as a freshman for her involvement in a homemade bomb “prank.” After transferring to CU, Mullaney sat out last season under NCAA rules.
“I’ve been looking forward to this game for a long time,” said Mullaney, who scored 14 points and had a game-high six assists.
Mullaney was playing against only one former teammate, however. CSU’s program has been in transition. Interim coach Kristen Holt’s squad lacks size and players who can create shots.
The Rams (0-2), who suffered lengthy field-goal droughts, were led by guard Kandy Beemer’s 15 points. Guard Bonnie Barbee added 13 and forward Britney Minor 11.
CU’s Richards decided to be as aggressive-looking as the shiner under her right eye.
“I started calling for the ball more,” she said.
Along with going 8-for-12, she sank all nine of her free throws, helping CU to a 22-for-24 mark from the line.
