Buffaloes Dispose Of Jaguars 94-61 In Omni First Round

University of Colorado women's basketball turned in another solid performance on the offensive end of the court in a 94-61 defeat of South Alabama in the first round of the Omni Hotels Classic, improving to 5-0 on the season.

"Another night with really good balance," said head coach Linda Lappe. "Offensively we moved the ball well - had a lot of different players contribute. We scored on the outside, we scored on the inside. I really like the flow of some of the stuff we're doing offensively."

The Buffs shot 56.8 percent in the first half, taking a 53-27 lead into the locker room. Colorado's 53 first half points marked the highest point-total in a half in the Lappe era.

Displaying their trademark balance on the offensive end of the court, Colorado scored 34 baskets on 19 assists, conceding only eight turnovers. The Buffs accomplished all of this without reigning Pac-12 Freshman of the Year Arielle Roberson, who sat for the second consecutive game with a concussion.

Once again, Lexy Kresl turned in an excellent performance from the point guard position. The junior from Arizona led a balanced offensive attack, scoring 12 points, dishing out a career-high six assists, and pulling down seven boards.

Forwards Jamee Swan and Jen Reese led the Buffaloes in scoring with 16 points apiece. Reese got loose in the beginning of the second half, knocking down her mid-range jumper. Swan (whose 16 points marked a career-high) made the crowd of 2,302 leap to their feet with several athletic plays in the low-block, including an incredibly smooth put-back of a missed shot. Swan also led the Buffs in boards with eight.

Center Rachel Hargis and guard Lauren Huggins each scored in double figures, with 11 and 10, respectively.

Colorado will play Rice in the finals of the Omni Hotels Classic tomorrow night at 7:30. Rice edged Samford 57-52 in their first round matchup.

Notes

Lappe has yet to drop a game (7-0) in four years of the Omni Hotels Classic... Friday night marked the fourth consecutive game CU scored 80 or more points; the last time CU had four games in a row with 80 or more points was in February of 1983...

Player of the Game

Lexy Kresl - She did everything her team needed from the point guard position, including grabbing seven rebounds.