SENGER NAMED TO BIG 12 ACADEMIC FIRST TEAM

DALLAS - University of Colorado junior forward Scott Senger was named to the 2004 Men's Basketball Academic All-Big 12 First Team, the conference office announced Wednesday.

Senger, a finance major from Louisville, Colo., is in his second year with Buffaloes. He has played in 16 games this season, averaging 1.8 points and 1.1 rebounds a game. Senger is one of 23 student-athletes honored by The Big 12 Conference.

Many of these student-athletes will participate in the 2004 Phillips 66 Big 12 Conference Men's Basketball Tournament March 11-14 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Oklahoma has won the last three tournament titles and looks to make it four in a row next week. The Sooners are tied with KU for most tournament championships at three -- the Jayhawks won 1997-1999, Iowa State won the only other title in 2000.

Nominated by each institution's director of student-athlete support services and the media relations offices, the men's basketball academic all-league squad consisted of 17 first-team members combined with six others on the second team. First-team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better grade-point average, while the second team are those who have a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.

To qualify student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 grade point average or higher either cumulative or in the two previous semesters, and must have participated in 60 percent of his team's scheduled contests. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are eligible.