CU vs CSU

[Go Buffs]

I am sure having trouble concentrating at work today. Only 8 hours and 49 minutes until game time.

[BeBe]

Definitely psyched for this one!!

It is such a huge game for both teams with CSU seniors trying to be the first group ever to go undefeated against the Buffs and the Buffs seniors trying to win in their final chance against the Rams.

WCH, in their prediction, has given the edge, in a close game, to the Buffs. Hope they are right. Two years ago in Boulder the Buffs were a mess in the first half and fell way behind but pulled it together in the second half, losing 72-70 when their buzzer-beater attempt didn't fall.

I've called some friends in doing my part to try to get a big pro-CU crowd out tonight. You know there will be a loud CSU contingent, just as there is a loud CU contingent when the game is at CSU. That's part of what in-state rivelries are all about.

[Buffsfan22]

I managed to sleep about 3 hours last night. I've got 6 games circled on my calender and this one's the first.

Guess i don't need to add that i'm extremely optimistic about tonight's game.

GO BUFFS!!!

[kate dawg]

I think people that call themselves CU fans, they've had this one circled up for over a year now.

2001 game: The Buffs gagged on this game in Fort Collins last year in the first half and ultimately were unable to come back down the stretch against a very, very good CSU team. That was maybe the worst half of basketball I'd seen out of Ceal's team since....

2000 game: The first half the year before. That was maybe worse, particularly since it was in their own gym. That was also the year of the technical foul on the two non-calls on the foul and/or blocked shot. This was when the official concluded that since Bjorklund is 6-5, the player wasn't tall enough to foul her OR get up to block the shot, so therefore Bjorklund must have intentionally thrown the ball 10 feet out of bounds, and thusly, ball awarded to CSU and technical foul on Ceal Barry for voicing her malcontent with said call.

This year: I predict that if CU can have a decent first half, they can win this, but if they dig themselves a hole like they have all three years since the series resumed, it's going to be a long night for the Buff fans.

Judging from the links on the front page, CSU coach Denker knows that the world revolves around Tera Bjorklund, so I anticipate they might try and double team her. Based on what I've seen in the home games this season, it would be in their best interest to do so, but then if Sabrina Scott and Randie Wirt, not to mention the complement of small forwards and guards can hit some of those open looks Bjorklund has been getting to the weak side of the defense and force the Rams to come off Tera, it's going to be a good night for the Buffs.

I just hope it's a good game. Okay not really, I just hope that it's not a blowout the wrong way. I'd take a big fat CU win anyday. Go Buffs!!

[mc6821]

Been looking forward to this one; should be a pretty good crowd tonight. Can't wait for tipoff!

[two cents]

This was when the official concluded that since Bjorklund is 6-5, the player wasn't tall enough to foul her OR get up to block the shot, so therefore Bjorklund must have intentionally thrown the ball 10 feet out of bounds, and thusly, ball awarded to CSU and technical foul on Ceal Barry for voicing her malcontent with said call.

That's pretty funny, although I'm sure it wasn't at the time. Seen a few of those calls over the years. They do have a way of building a coach's ire.

[unkiemark]

One of the questions I have going into this game is how CSU is responding to Denker's style. I have no idea since I haven't seen CSU in person yet. But what I wonder is how much their guards are involved in the offense. Looking at the stats it appears that Borton and English haven't been putting a lot of points up. (I realize the English isn't 100% physically.) In the past one of the things that has bedeviled the Buffs has been the perimeter orientation of the Rams' offense. One of the ways that CSU was able to keep the Buffs off-guard was to run a lot of high pick and rolls. With the Buff defense designed to collapse on anyone going to the basket this opened up the perimeter for CSU's frontcourt players who really have taken advantage from three point territory. So it will be interesting to see if Denker's offensive philosophy emphasizes this.

I have feeling that this might be a game in which Amber Metoyer might really make a difference. Her athleticism will give the Rams trouble on the boards and if she is assertive cutting to the basket could take a lot of pressure off of Bjorklund.



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MarkW