Oregon State guard Payton presents trouble for Bu≠s

boulder» A week ago, the onus was on Colorado center Josh Scott to step to the forefront defensively in a big-time post battle against Utah 7-footer Jakob Poeltl.

On Wednesday night, it will take a team effort from the Buffaloes to slow down one of the Pac-12’s most complete all-around players.

After a last-second loss against Utah, CU will look to get back on track as conference play continues against Oregon State at 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Coors Events Center. Topping the Buffs’ list of defensive priorities will be to slow down Oregon State senior guard Gary Payton II, who has led the 11-3 Beavers to their best start since the 1989-90 season.

That team was led by Payton’s future NBA all-star father and marked the last time the Beavers reached the NCAA Tournament, a drought the younger Payton hopes to break this season.

“He’s such an exceptional rebounder and a great athlete,” CU coach Tad Boyle said. “He’s one of those guys who is a potential triple-double guy.

“He’s as good a guard as there is in our league.”

As the only player in the nation averaging at least 17 points, eight rebounds, five assists and 2.5 steals, Payton will present a nightmare matchup problem for CU.

While none of the other expected starters for the Beavers averages more than 8.3 points a game, Boyle singled out freshman reserves Tres Tinkle and Stephen Thompson as particular concerns for the Buffs. Those two players are averaging a combined 19.8 points off the bench for Oregon State.

“I think No. 1, their depth is much better this year,” Boyle said. “The two freshmen, guards Thompson and Tinkle, are very, very capable players.”

CU will be desperate for a win to still try to take advantage of the final threegame homestand of the season after Friday’s late meltdown against Utah. Oregon State has recorded just one win in eight games all time in Boulder, but the Beavers went 2-1 at home in their first three league games. That ledger includes a sixpoint win against a Cal team that dominated CU in its Pac-12 opener Jan. 1.