For the third consecutive year, the Colorado women's basketball team was picked to finish 11th in the Big 12 this season by the league's coaches.

The coaches' poll, released Wednesday, has Oklahoma in first, Texas second and Iowa State third. Missouri was tabbed for last place.

Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.

The loss of Jackie McFarland, Susie Powers, Aija Putnina, Caley Dow and Whitney Houston certainly were a hit to the Buffs in the eyes of the Big 12 coaches.

The Buffs finished ninth in the Big 12 last year and advanced to the WNIT semifinals.

But McFarland and Powers graduated, while Putnina and Dow quit the team. Houston, who emerged as a contributor at point guard in the WNIT, is out for the season with a torn ACL.

The Buffs return only one player who averaged double figures in scoring from last year. Sophomore Brittany Spears averaged 13.9 points per game in her freshman campaign. Spears is also the only player returning with consistent starting experience.

Big 12 preseason poll

Teams (first-place votes) Total points

1. Oklahoma (7) 124

2. Texas (1) 95

3. Iowa State (2) 93

4. Baylor (1) 89

5. Texas A&M 85

6. Oklahoma State (1) 79

7. Kansas State 71

8. Nebraska 56

9. Kansas 41

10. Texas Tech 36

11. Colorado 18

12. Missouri 15