No. 18 Colorado opens the Big 12 Tournament Monday against No. 18 Kansas, the team that handed the Buffs their most recent loss. Colorado brings a five-game winning streak and four straight shutouts into the rematch; Kansas arrives after upsetting No. 7 Texas Tech. The winner advances to Wednesday’s semifinal.

By the Numbers
  • Colorado: 14-4-1 overall, 8-3 in Big 12 play; fourth seed.
  • Kansas: 13-4-2 overall, 7-2-2 in Big 12 play; fifth seed.
  • Colorado has won 5 straight, outscoring opponents 15-2.
  • The Buffs have scored 46 goals and recorded 12 shutouts; Kansas has scored 36 goals and recorded 9 shutouts.
Yes, But

Kansas beat Colorado 1-0 in October and eliminated the Buffs from last year’s tournament with a 2-1 semifinal win. The Jayhawks also limit opponents to 6.7 shots per game, so Colorado’s attacking momentum will count for little unless it converts its chances.

State of Play
  • Colorado’s Reagan Kotschau leads the team with 32 points and set a program single-season assists record with 12.
  • Kansas is led by Caroline Castans, with 18 points, and goalkeeper Sophie Dawe, who has an 0.84 goals-against average.
  • Kickoff is Monday at 10:30 a.m. MT on ESPN+ in Mansfield, Texas.
What’s Next

Monday’s winner faces either top-seeded BYU or West Virginia in Wednesday’s semifinal. The championship game is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14.

Bottom Line

Colorado has the hotter run, but Kansas has beaten the Buffs twice in their last two tournament meetings. The key is whether Colorado can turn its scoring depth into quality chances against a disciplined defense.