BOULDER — Eventually, wins hinge on being able to stop the opponent and execute when the pressure cooker is turned to high. Colorado was able to cope with some adversity but didn’t have enough to see it through in a 63-59 loss to Illinois on Saturday night at the Coors Events Center.
The game was part of the Big 12/Big Ten Challenge, and the Illini were a test. Buffs coach Linda Lappe acknowledged they were the best team CU has faced this season.
Colorado (6-2) used a 13-0 run late in the second half to erase a 55-44 deficit. A switch from man-to-man to a 2-3 zone was the key, as CU forced missed shots and was able to get out into transition.
And then, all at once, the momentum was stopped.
Up 57-55 with 3:11 left to play, it was Colorado’s turn to go cold from the field. Mix in inopportune turnovers, and the Buffs scored only two more points the remainder of the game — free throws by Julie Seabrook with 6.8 seconds left, part of her career-high 15 points.
Chucky Jeffery led the Buffs with 17 points and Brittany Spears added 15. The rest of the team scored only 12 points.
Area men
Denver 66, Cal State-Northridge 63
Brian Stafford scored 18 points to lead the Pioneers past the Matadors at Magness Arena.
Denver (2-6) got 15 points from Chase Hallam and 13 from Chris Udofia.
DU made 29-of-45 free throws in a game plagued by numerous fouls. Cal State-Northridge went to the free-throw line 38 times, making 23. Five players fouled out — Lenny Daniel, Allen Jiles and Dathan Lyles of Cal State- Northridge and Stafford and Kyle Lewis of Denver.
Colorado State 87, Fresno State 74
FORT COLLINS — Andy Ogide had 16 points and 11 rebounds as the Rams (4-1) defeated Fresno State (1-5). Ogide recorded his second consecutive double-double and the ninth of his career. Travis Franklin and Andre McFarland each added 13 points.
