LUBBOCK, Texas -- Gaze into a crystal ball looking for what might happen today when Colorado faces Texas Tech in a Big 12 women's basketball road game and don't expect to find a clear picture.

The game is expected to be won or lost in the post. But Colorado (13-5, 2-3) will likely be hampered by starting forward Aija Putnina's injury, leaving some uncertainty in CU's front-court.

And who knows what to expect from the Lady Raiders (13-6, 1-4). Texas Techowns wins over teams such as Arizona State and Texas, but also has puzzling losses to Missouri, Houston and Arkansas.

"Texas Tech can be a different team from night to night," CU senior Jackie McFarland said. "I'm worried about what team is going to show up, not just for us, but for them as well."

If Putnina can play, the sophomore is expected to be available in a limited fashion only for today's 3 p.m. game (FSN). But the Buffs say they won't know for sure until pre-game warmups. They are waiting to see how much pain Putnina can stand in playing with a broken pinkie on her right hand. She was held out of contact situations in practice Thursday and Friday because the Buffs don't want to risk further damage, which could keep Putnina out eight weeks if she injured her finger more seriously.

Colorado coach Kathy McConnell-Miller likes her options for Putnina's replacement, if needed.

Junior Kara Richards began the year as a starter and will be playing in front of a hometown crowd. The native of nearby Graham, Texas, expects many from her hometown to attend the game at United Spirit Arena. Freshman Courtney Dunn is coming off one of her better games of the season in Tuesday's win over Kansas. Junior Caley Dow has picked up key minutes this year depending on the match-ups.

Said Dunn, "If Aija's not able to play, hopefully I can pick up where she left off. Aija's a very competitive player and hopefully I can play just as well as her."

Putnina's presence would have helped, though. Putnina is roommates with CU guard Dina Piterniece, who chose CU over Texas Tech this offseason. Piterniece has played against Texas Tech starting forward Dominic Seals and Piterniece gave Putnina an inside scouting report.

"She's really athletic," Putnina said of Seals, who leads Texas Tech in scoring at 14.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. "She's really fast and really good around the basket. We have to keep her in front of us and make her take tough shots."

Texas Tech's next biggest scoring threat is center Erin Myrick, who averages 11.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.

The location of Texas Tech's strength matches CU's, which is led by McFarland, Putnina and freshman forward Brittany Spears.

"Some of the (recent) games we've been playing, the (opponent's) main scorers have come from the guard position," McFarland said. "We're going to see a different look as far as our defense goes because the pressure's not on the guards to defend. It's going to be on the posts."

The Buffs will be tested, as well, by the atmosphere. The Lady Raiders average crowds of 8,599 at home.

"I feel good with this team going on the road," McConnell-Miller said. "Kansas State was the hottest team in the league and we lost by seven. We perform on the road. They have no fear. It doesn't matter how many people are there. I just see a focus in them on the road that I like."