Colorado University Athletics
CU FACES HARVARD IN FIRST ROUND OF SUBWAY CLASSIC
On a veteran-led Colorado team, a freshman has played a pivotal role.
The 16th-ranked Buffaloes hope Emily Waner can continue her solid play as they take on Harvard in the Subway Classic on Saturday.
Waner hit a 3-pointer with 12.6 seconds left in overtime, and Tera Bjorklund had 21 points and eight rebounds as Colorado (2-0) beat then-No. 15 Notre Dame 67-63 in overtime Saturday in the championship game of the WBCA Classic.
Waner, a freshman, led the Buffaloes with 17 points off the bench in an 84-67 win over Old Dominion on Nov. 14. She had made 50 percent (7-for-14) of her 3-point attempts, providing a spark for a Colorado team that starts five seniors.
Bjorklund leads Colorado at center, averaging 18.5 points and 6 rebounds per game. The senior led the team last season with 18.5 points and 6.8 rebounds last season.
Harvard, playing its season opener, may have a tough time trying to deal with the 6-foot-5 Bjorklund. The Crimson's tallest player is 6-foot-3 center Reka Cserny.
Harvard went 22-5 last season, clinching its second straight Ivy League title and NCAA tournament appearance. However, the Crimson lost to Kansas State in the first round.
Two-time Ivy League player of the year Hana Peltjo leads Harvard. She topped the conference and ranked 10th nationally with 21.3 points per game last season. She also averaged 9.8 rebounds per outing.
This is the first meeting between the teams.
The winner faces either Minnesota or Southern in the tournament's championship game Sunday.