BOULDER — With Colorado’s chances of reaching the NCAA Tournament having taken a big hit, attention turns to the “senior night” battle tonight with Nebraska and what those CU upperclassmen have meant to the program.
Starters Cory Higgins and Marcus Relphorde, super sixth man Levi Knutson and walk-ons Javon Coney and Trent Beckley will make their final regular-season appearances before the home crowd.
“The seniors showed me everything about college basketball,” said Alec Burks, CU’s standout sophomore guard. “We have to get them a win on senior night.”
The final Big 12 Conference game at the Coors Events Center could be the last game in this building for the senior class — depending on a possible home National Invitation Tournament (NIT) game here.
Burks also could be taking his final regular-season bows if he chooses to declare for the 2011 NBA draft. The Big 12’s top scorer (19.8) has said he will make that decision after the season.
It’s widely believed the Buffaloes (18-12, 7-8 Big 12) had to win Wednesday night at Iowa State and then tonight to remain in the conversation as a bubble team for an at-large invitation to the NCAA Tournament. But the euphoria over defeating then-No. 5 Texas here a week ago was extinguished in Ames, Iowa, when Colorado’s defense let down. The 95-90 victory by the last-place Cyclones ruined what might have set the stage for an epic party in Boulder tonight.
“I still can’t believe it,” CU coach Tad Boyle said, shaking his head. “Toughest loss of my career. We knew what was at stake.”
It’s Boyle’s challenge to convince his team there is still much to play for tonight, including a school record 15th home victory this season, earning a higher seed in next week’s Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City, Mo., and completing a 15-year run in the Big 12 with the Buffs’ first .500 regular-season conference record since 9-7 in 2006.
No matter what happens against Nebraska (19-10, 7-8), the CU seniors have clinched their first winning season.
“I really look up to those guys,” CU junior guard Nate Tomlinson said. “They’ve been through it all. They have seen this program when it’s been near its worst, and they have seen it when it’s been at its best, beating Texas.”
The seniors believe they have helped build a foundation at Colorado for future success. Although Higgins has set school records for games played, starts, free-throws made and career minutes, “the best memory I have is when I got here we’d have it seemed like only 500 people in here to watch us and now we have sellouts (tonight will be the fifth).
“That’s a big deal here in Colorado. That’s the biggest gratification I have, that I was part of that.”
Knutson, who starred at Arapahoe High, said there is no doubt in his mind that the program is on the upswing.
“It’s fun to see all the students excited about basketball,” Knutson said. “Everybody is on the same page now and wants the same thing.”
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
The Buffs who built a foundation
The seniors playing in their final regular-season game for the Buffs tonight:
Cory Higgins 6-foot-5 guard, Danville, Calif.
He has 1,866 career points and needs 11 to pass Shaun Vandiver and move into fourth place on the all-time school list. Four-year starter. Team’s glue guy.
Levi Knutson 6-4 guard, Littleton (Arapahoe High)
Having breakthrough season as perhaps Big 12’s top sixth man (12.1 points per game). Leads conference in 3-point shooting (.484) for all games. Scrappy, not afraid to rebound.
Marcus Relphorde 6-7 swingman, Chicago
Double-figure scorer during his two seasons at CU. A junior-college transfer, Relphorde is playing for his fourth coach in four years.
Javon Coney 6-3 guard, Chicago
Accepted walk-on offer from then-CU coach Jeff Bzdelik. Valuable in practices for four years and has given team solid minutes in games when given the chance.
Trent Beckley 6-10 forward, Vail (Battle Mountain High)
Fifth-year player originally walked on under coach Ricardo Patton. Worked last fall at a Dallas health club, returned to team in January to finish degree. Has played in just two games this season but has no regrets.
Notebook
Nebraska: The Huskers lead the all-time series 76-71, but CU holds a 42-23 advantage in Boulder. . . . Tuesday night’s home victory over Missouri was the third by the Huskers over a ranked team. Others were against Texas A&M and Texas, also in Lincoln. . . . Nebraska already has recorded 19 victories for the first time since the 1997-98 season. . . . As usual, Nebraska relies on defense. Eight Nebraska opponents have been held to their season low in points, including Missouri this week.
Colorado: There will be no TV coverage. Radio broadcast will be on 850 AM for the first time since the 1982-83 season. . . . To commemorate the final Big 12 game at the Coors Events Center, Colorado is distributing 14,000 free T-shirts between this game and the 2 p.m. CU women’s matchup with No. 3 Baylor for a spectator “white out.” This is not a doubleheader; the arena will be cleared following the women’s game. . . . Tonight’s game is officially a sellout, the fifth of the season. . . . The Buffs fell 79-67 at Nebraska on Jan. 18.
