BOULDER — Colorado honored guard Bianca Smith and center Courtney Dunn on Wednesday for “Senior Night,” but CU’s 72-70 loss to Kansas State left many wondering if coach Kathy McConnell-Miller also had participated in her final home game.
Colorado (13-15, 3-12 Big 12) had an opportunity to gain a higher seed than Kansas State for next week’s Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City, Mo. Instead, the Buffaloes shot just 44.2 percent from the field and clinched the No. 11 seed — ahead of only Missouri, which had its coach resign this week.
McConnell-Miller, 65-86 in five seasons, said she can’t be concerned about job security.
“I don’t wake up any day or coach in any capacity worrying about that,” she said. “I’m confident in what we’ve done . . . and what we’ve taught the players. I do know we are in the toughest conference in the country. At times losing can wear on players, but I feel our players believe.
“I can only control the things I can control. . . . I think (school administrators) have been consistent in their support.”
Kansas State (13-16, 5-10) trailed by a point at halftime but took control early in the second half with a 13-0 run.
CU junior guard Brittany Spears, who scored a game-high 19 points, tried to tie the game at 69 with a 3-pointer but her shot with 12.4 seconds left bounced off the rim.
In a Jan. 20 meeting, Colorado defeated Kansas State 63-57 in Manhattan, Kan.
“I think we are a better team than our record shows,” said CU’s Smith, who scored 14 points but went 1-for-7 on 3-pointers. “We really thought we could get this one.”
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
