The few, the proud, the Colorado women's basketball fans.

Thanks to the atmosphere created by all 1,673 of them -- not to mention a remarkable comeback by the home team -- the Buffs will host a WNIT quarterfinal game at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Coors Events Center.

CU used a 20-3 run down the stretch to survive and advance with a 64-58 victory over Villanova in the third round on Thursday night.

"That was the best crowd by far I've ever played in front of at CU," senior Jackie McFarland said after scoring 32 points. "Amazing."

The Horned Frogs (23-11) are coming off an 81-74 victory Wednesday over Texas Tech in Lubbock. The win marked TCU's first ever in 38 games against the Red Raiders, a former Southwest Conference rival, ending the longest winless streak against any opponent in program history.

CU will also be making some history as Sunday's game will be the latest date in a season the women's team has ever played, eclipsing a 53-51 loss to Villanova in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament on March 29, 2003.

"We finished that game defensively better than we finished any game," Buffs head coach Kathy McConnell-Miller said after her team held the Wildcats without a field goal over the final 6:00. "The energy from the fans got us over the top."

Special freshman

Brittany Spears scored 11 of her 13 points in the final 3:16 to lift the Buffs to the victory. The freshman forward became the first player in program history to record 50 or more assists (60), steals (54) and blocked shots (50) in a single season.

"The last three minutes I played better defensively," Spears said. "I made some big shots and that was the difference."

By the numbers

18 -- Consecutive losses CU had suffered when trailing at halftime before overcoming a 35-28 deficit at the intermission on Thursday.

0-9 -- Villanova's shooting from the field after taking a 55-44 lead with 6:00 remaining.

100 -- Double-figure scoring games McFarland now has for her career.

1:22 -- Time CU spent in the lead against Villanova.

39:31 -- Time CU spent in the lead in its second-round win over Gonzaga.

5-for-6 -- The Wildcats' stats from the foul line.

15-for-16 -- McFarland's stats from the foul line.