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Colorado appeared to suffer a huge blow to its hopes of making a deep run in the postseason Thursday when the program announced junior forward Andre Roberson is out indefinitely with a viral infection.
The Daily Camera in Boulder reported Roberson has mononucleosis.
The Buffaloes responded with an effort that made them look quite capable even without their Pac-12 Conference defensive player of the year candidate and the nation's leading rebounder, who watched from the bench in street clothes. CU rolled over Oregon, the Pac-12's top team, 76-53 on a night in which the 19th-ranked Ducks could have clinched a regular season conference title and the top seed in next week's Pac-12 tournament.
Colorado closes out the season Saturday against Oregon State, a team the Buffs should be able to handle on their home court without Roberson. CU is 44-6 at home since coach Tad Boyle was hired three years ago and now has three straight 20-win seasons after producing just four in its history before Boyle was hired.
But the question on every CU fan's mind is; How far can the Buffs really go without their leader.
Colorado made an impressive run last year winning four games in four nights to capture the Pac-12 crown and automatic berth to the NCAA tournament.They were fueled
The Buffs clearly have an NCAA resume at this point after sweeping Oregon this season along with a handful of other quality wins and a top-30 RPI.
Yet, losing a player of Roberson's caliber could severely hamper their efforts to advance once they reach the postseason. Both Boyle and Arizona coach Sean Miller have said in recent weeks they believe Roberson should be given serious consideration as the nation's best defender.
Colorado has to hope for a quick recovery from Roberson.
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