Richie Saunders takes a hard fall 45 seconds into the game and is helped back into the locker room. He gave the fans a thumbs up on his way out but still a really scary scene for BYU pic.twitter.com/O2XcRXThHt
— Jackson Payne (@jackson5payne) February 14, 2026
Colorado
No. 22 BYU survives upstart Colorado in overtime
Saturday was set up to be one of the top highlights of BYU’s season.
Instead, the Cougars’ 90-86 overtime victory against Colorado will ultimately be remembered for its most gut-wrenching moment.
BYU was heavily favored against the visiting Buffaloes, its lowest-rated remaining opponent of the regular season. Additionally, Jimmer Fredette would have his No. 32 jersey retired at halftime, with the sold out Marriott Center crowd all donning replica Fredette jerseys of their own and creating an electric, deafening environment prior to tipoff.
But less than a minute into the contest, disaster struck.
BYU star Richie Saunders, attempting a jump pass as he soared out of bounds, planted his right foot awkwardly upon landing and took a hard fall, immediately clutching his right knee as he lay in pain.
Saunders remained on the ground for a while before being helped up, needing assistance for the beginning of his walk back to the locker room before eventually walking out under his own power.
Though he did give a double thumbs up to fans as he left the floor, Saunders never returned to the BYU bench, let alone the game, with his wife and parents being summoned back into the locker room to see him.
“I think it sucked the life out the gym, if I’m being honest,” BYU head coach Kevin Young said of Saunders’ injury, adding that he did not have an update regarding the senior star’s status moving forward.
“You never want to see an injury to any player, but definitely not to someone who’s the heart and soul of our team and bleeds BYU blue.”
Losing Saunders so early in the game clearly affected the Cougars, who could never pull away from Colorado and squandered a late lead to go to overtime.
“He’s our hardest worker, super talented player, so I mean, hopefully we get him back,” Rob Wright III said of Saunders.
“… Having a guy like Richie out, I mean, it obviously hurt us. The game might have been closer than it should have been, but it was just good to pull through, and it’s next man up.”
Thanks to a career night from Wright, a near triple-double from AJ Dybantsa and some timely contributions from its bench, BYU was able to withstand the loss of Saunders and dig out a tough victory, moving to 19-6 on the season and 7-5 in Big 12 play.
“Glad we got the win, bottom line,“ Young said. ”You know, the Big 12’s a tough league. You see it across the landscape, not just in our league, but every league, it’s hard to win, bottom line.
“We had a lot working against us tonight. Proud of our guys for stepping up. We had some guys coming off the bench and make huge plays.”
Those bench heroes for the Cougars included Tyler Mrus, who was the initial post-injury sub for Saunders and scored six first half points, and Aleksej Kostic, whose 3-pointer with 1:21 left to play in overtime gave BYU a lead it would never surrender.
“You’ve got to find a way to come in and channel that emotion. I thought Tyler did a great job of coming in and making a couple shots, and then obviously (Kostic) hit the huge one there at the end,” Young said.
“It’s a team game, and guys got to come in off the bench and be ready to go, which we haven’t done a lot this year because (Saunders, Wright and Dybantsa) have been so good. But I was proud of those guys to come in ready to contribute to the win.”
Fresh off a career-high 30 points in his return to Baylor earlier this week, Wright quickly posted a new personal best with 39 points Saturday, doing so on 12 of 16 shooting — with four made 3-pointers — while adding five rebounds and four assists.
“I didn’t even know he had that many points, to be honest with you. I looked down after the game and was like, ‘Holy cow.’ He’s playing the game right now at an incredible pace in terms of his control,” Young said of Wright.
“… I think the last couple games he’s done a fantastic job of getting to the paint, playing under control, playing off two feet. … He’s shooting the ball at a very high clip in catch and shoot situations, and that’s really helped his efficiency and helped him be a real scoring threat for us.”
With Saunders’ injury freeing up Colorado to put more men on Dybantsa, Wright pivoted from his typical point guard duties to play off the ball for much of the game, leveraging Dybantsa’s double teams for 29 points after halftime.
“It just felt good to get the win,” Wright said. “I mean, they were doubling AJ, so I was just playing off him, making shots early and just got rolling.
“When Richie went down, we knew somebody had to step up, so I guess it was me today.”
Amid the thick defensive coverage, Dybantsa accounted for seven of BYU’s 16 total turnovers and shot 6 of 20 from the field, but the freshman phenom still managed to provide 20 points, a career-high 13 rebounds and eight assists.
“My dad, he tells me I don’t rebound a lot, so I came in here and just, you know, wanted to prove to him that I can rebound,” Dybantsa said.
“But also, like, (my) shots weren’t falling, so I was trying to make sure that if the other team misses a shot, that they don’t get any second-chance opportunities.”
Added Young: “At (Dybantsa’s) size, to be able to have eight assists I think says a lot about his growth, you know, in terms of playing a little bit more under control. We’ve got to clean those turnovers up.”
It was a dogfight for much of the day, with BYU and Colorado knotted at 60 points apiece with just over nine minutes left to play in the second half.
The Cougars then put together a 11-4 run over the following four minutes to lead by seven, only to miss four of their next six field goal attempts as the Buffaloes made five of their next eight and forced overtime thanks to an Isaiah Johnson layup with 18 seconds remaining.
In overtime, however, BYU stood its ground and held Colorado to 2 of 10 shooting, with Dybantsa and Wright sinking five free throws after Kostic’s clutch triple to finally bury the Buffs.
“(We) got a little too comfortable. You know, we’re trying to get our defense right,” Young said. “… I’ll say it again, I fully expected this game to be very difficult. … You knew (Colorado) was going to be ready to come in and fight, and that’s a good lesson for our guys.
“I’m just happy that our guys were able to pull a win out. Games like those can be very challenging, especially given what happened early in the game emotionally and so forth. I’m saying all that to say that was kind of the message in the in the timeout (before overtime), like, ‘Man, let’s let’s find a way to go out and get this thing done,’ and thankfully, we did.”
While BYU made 50% of its 3-pointers, the Cougars were inconsistent inside the arc to shoot 45% on 2-point shots, missing six layups and gifting the Buffs 21 points from 16 turnovers.
Conversely, Colorado shot 44% from the field and 28.1% from long distance, with BYU winning the rebound battle by a 46-39 margin.
Now winners of two straight, the Cougars will head down to Tucson for a rematch with Arizona at the McKale Center next Wednesday, with the Wildcats currently ranked No. 1 nationally but riding a 2-game losing skid, including Saturday night to No. 16 Texas Tech.
“I think we should have won the one at home. Losing by (three) really hurt us,” Dybantsa said of BYU’s first meeting with Arizona, a 86-83 loss.
“(There were) some defensive lapses that we shouldn’t have had, so I mean, we’re coming in ready. We’re going to have the scouting report ready, we’re going to trust the staff and go get a win in McKale.”
But whether Saunders is on the floor for such an effort — let alone the rest of the season — remains to be seen.
Colorado
Thornton marks 70 years: Exhibit traces Colorado city’s roots from developer’s dream to thriving suburb
Seventy years ago, a housing developer looked at an empty stretch of land north of Denver and saw the future. What Sam Hoffman built there became the city of Thornton — and a free public exhibit is now telling that story for the first time in a generation.
CBS Colorado is excited to shine the spotlight on Thornton, as Colorado marks 150 years as a state.
“The history of Thornton is really the history of suburbia,” said Lance Jones, the historian and curator of the city’s 70th anniversary exhibit. “Thornton was planned. Thornton was intentionally created as a city.”
Hoffman, Jones explained, recognized an opportunity in the postwar boom. “He realized the Denver Metro area was going to really explode and he wanted in on the ground floor,” Jones said. To sell his 5,000 planned homes, Hoffman turned to an unlikely marketing asset — Hollywood.
Three of his employees happened to be the brothers of Jane Russell, one of the biggest film stars in America at the time. “She was an A-list actress. I mean, she was really top of the game,” Jones said. Hoffman asked the brothers if their sister might make an appearance, and she agreed.
“One day in 1954, his grand opening celebration, she came out. And a lot of people came out to see her — big, big crowd,” Jones said. “Thousands of people showed up to see her, to get a glimpse, to take a picture.” Russell would return to Thornton more than three decades later, appearing at the opening of the Thornton Parkway interchange in 1986.
The homes Russell helped promote were advertised at $9,950, with a down payment for GI’s of $532.30 and a monthly mortgage of $65. Jones noted those were not trivial sums for working families of the era. “That represented a big chunk of the average person’s paycheck. People would have to save up for that,” Jones said.
A Denver Post clipping from Jan. 31, 1954, on display at the exhibit, documents the arrival of the city’s first residents. “This is one of the first families in Thornton moving in,” Jones said. “This was a unique thing. They created the city. It just sprang from nothing.”
By 1956, residents had established enough civic infrastructure to pursue formal incorporation. “There were a lot of civic organizations, a lot of clubs, a lot of veterans organizations — it was a big joiner kind of town,” Jones said. “And, eventually, in 1956, they were able to get incorporated.”
That civic spirit, Jones argued, never left. “The culture here in Thornton kind of developed from that. It’s still a city with a lot of civic involvement, a lot of events, a lot of cohesion.”
The exhibit highlights several residents whose stories reflect the city’s early character. Among the artifacts is a cheerleading uniform that belonged to Loretta Garcia — the first baby born in Thornton after its incorporation. She and the city share the same milestone birthday. “Thornton is 70, and so is she,” Jones said. Garcia was delivered at home on Rowena Street because the trip to a Denver hospital was considered too far. “The doctor came up here and delivered her at home.”
Another featured resident is Norma Ellman, a Thornton High School teacher, who in 1956 traveled to California to compete on a CBS game show called “High Finance.” She won the equivalent of what Jones estimates would be more than $1 million today. The victory was significant enough that the mayor authorized Ellman to present the show’s host with a key to the city of Thornton.
Jones said the exhibit is designed to connect newer residents with the people who built the community, noting that from its earliest days Thornton had a strong Hispanic presence that continues today alongside a growing diversity of other ethnicities.
“The younger people really do need to hear from the folks who made Thornton, Thornton,” Jones said. “You have to know where we came from to know where we’re going.”
The 70th anniversary exhibit is free and open to the public at the Thornton Arts and Culture Annex. Visit this page for days and hours.
Summer swimming safety tips for children, families
Swim more safely this summer following these tips from the American Red Cross.
Last year, the buzz around Elitch Gardens was that 2025 could have been its last year — or at least the last year at its current site near Ball Arena.
But a June property deal gave sole ownership of the park’s land to Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, the owner of the arena, the Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Avalanche and other assets. That deal seemed to save Elitch Gardens at its current location for the immediate future, although the specter of a wrecking ball still looms.
Here’s a look at what Colorado’s amusement parks, water parks, fun centers and other activities have to offer in 2026.
Elitch Gardens in Denver
Colorado’s oldest amusement park kicked off its 136th year April 18 and has new events and activities planned for 2026.
Where: Downtown Denver
When it’s open: It opened for the season on April 18. Hours can vary and the most up-to-date information can be found online at its website.
Can’t miss rides: The park boasts multiple roller coasters, including Twister III, a 4,640-foot wooden coaster featuring a 90-foot drop and a pitch black tunnel. The attraction was listed as temporarily unavailable as of April 20, but other roller coasters include the Mind Eraser, Boomerang and Sidewinder.
Tickets and season passes: A day pass can run as much as $72.99, although discounts can often be found. Season passes start at $84.99, with multiple tiers of perks, with discounts sometimes available. Kids age 2 and younger get in free. Get more season pass information online
More information: elitchgardens.com
Lakeside Amusement Park in Denver
The low-cost alternative to Elitch Gardens is still finalizing plans for the 2026 season, but will be up and running for its 119th year in the same location.
Where: Denver
When it’s open: Lakeside has yet to announce an opening day but typically opens for weekends starting in mid-May before moving to a six-day-a-week schedule (no Tuesdays) from early June through mid-August. It usually closes out the season with weekends-only admission into September. Hours can also vary, so call Lakeside at 303-477-1621 to confirm hours before going.
Can’t miss rides: A smaller park, Lakeside has classic rides such as the Scrambler and the Tilt-A-Whirl. Its roller coasters include the Pinfari and Chipmunk. There’s no update on if its landmark coaster, the Cyclone, will reopen after nearly four years of sitting idle.
Tickets: 2026 pricing has not been announced yet.
More information: www.lakesideamusementpark.com
Glennwood Caverns Adventure Park near Glenwood Springs
The highest amusement park in the land, Glenwood Caverns sits at more than 7,100 feet elevation and offers both rides and chances to explore.
Where: On top of Iron Mountain
When it’s open: It has year-round operations, with all rides slated to open on May 1. The schedule is lighter outside of the summer. Its online schedule shows the park open every day from May 13 through Sept. 7, with hours stretching from 9 am. to 7 p.m. for much of that time before it starts mixing in off-days again.
Can’t miss rides: A gondola ride to the top of Iron Mountain has been a staple of the park dating to its founding, and its alpine coaster back down and cave tours all plays to its unique location. Not all rides are open every day and the harsh weather common on Colorado mountaintops can shut some attractions down, so check the weather and the website before going.
Tickets: Single-day advance tickets start at $32.99 for just gondola rides up Iron Mountain, ranging up to $62.99 for a Fun Day ticket that includes access to two cave tours, alpine coaster and other attractions on the mountaintop. Through April 30, local residents can get free annual gondola passes and a $63 discount on annual thrill passes. Annual passes without the discount are $157 for adults and $147 for children.
More information: www.glenwoodcaverns.com
North Pole – Santa’s Workshop near Colorado Springs
Experience the magic of Santa and the North Pole as early as the spring at this park on Pikes Peak.
Where: Cascade
When it’s open: May 16 marks the return of Santa and the reopening of the shops and rides. The park will be open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. into the fall, according to its website. From Oct. 28 through Dec. 24, it is slated to typically be open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Holiday week schedules can be different and weather could cause the park to close.
Can’t miss rides: The park was built for little kids, with some rides gentle enough to bring an infant on. The Candy Cane Coaster is a right-sized first coaster for preschooler, while the 60-foot high Ferris wheel gives great views of the park.
Tickets: During the summer and fall, admission to the park is free. To ride rides, purchase an all-access wristband at the park for $38 for those ages 3 to 59. Military family members and seniors can receive discounts in the spring and summer. From Oct. 28 through Dec. 24, all visitors age 3 and up entering must pay a yet-to-be-announced admission fee, which includes unlimited rides, and reservations will be required on peak days for individuals. Season passes are available, with some blackout dates.
More information: northpolecolorado.com
Water World near Denver
One of the nation’s top-rated water parks, Water World’s updates in the off-season includes its new Summit Canyon area with new waterslides and a toddler splash area.
Where: Federal Heights
When it’s open: Season starts May 23. Park hours are typically 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., although Summit Canyon will be open to 6 p.m. and special events could alter hours.
Can’t miss rides: The park has more than 50 attractions across 70 acres, including the Mile High Flyer water coaster, the Voyage to the Center of the Earth waterslide and Water World’s lazy river. All were recognized in 2025 in the USA TODAY 10BEST Reader’s Choice Awards in their respective categories.
Tickets: Advance single-day tickets for any day the park is open are $53.99 for people 48 inches and taller and $48.99 for those shorter, with discounts for tickets bought for specific days. A full season Splash Pass starts at $144.99 for people under 48 inches and $154.99 for people 48 inches and taller, with prices going up to add perks like discounts and meal plans. Guests under 40 inches always receive free admission.
More information: waterworldcolorado.com
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Cañon City
There is no shortage of ways to experience the beauty of one of Colorado’s most famous landmarks. Some are tame and one gives a unique thrill.
Where: Cañon City
When it’s open: Weather permitting, the park is open year round. The visitor’s center is typically open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and rides typically open at 10 a.m.
Can’t miss rides: The world’s highest suspension bridge is awe-inspiring on its own, and the aerial gondola gives stunning views, but the Royal Rush Skycoaster — which dangles riders 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River — can really get the heart pumping.
Tickets: General admission purchased in advance online is $34.95 for ages 12 and up and $29.95 for kids ages 3 to 11. There are additional fees for the Zipline, Skycoaster or Via Ferrata. A one-year pass is $80 for kids 3 to 11, $90 for ages 12 and up and $260 for a family of four. Discounts on season passes are available for Colorado residents through April 30.
More information: royalgorgebridge.com
Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs
The chain of hotels with their own indoor waterparks has one location in Colorado, offering guests access to waterslides and other entertainment under the same roof as their hotel.
When it’s open: Year-round. Hours vary.
Can’t miss rides: You can spin through the six-story funnel of the Howlin’ Tornado, stand up to the lapping waves of the Slap Tail Pond and race your family in the Mountain Edge Raceway.
Tickets: Rates for day passes and rooms vary greatly, so interested vacationers should look online. Deep discounts are easy to find.
More information: greatwolf.com/colorado-springs
Ski towns
With ski season largely over, many of Colorado’s ski towns are getting ready to start their summer activities. While they do not have full-fledged amusement parks, many of the ski resorts offer mountain coasters, alpine slides and other attractions to keep people entertained in the summer. Check out the options at Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Crested Butte, Keystone, Purgatory, Steamboat, Vail and Winter Park long after the snow has melted.
Fun centers and community water parks
If a day trip or road trip is more than you want to take on, many communities have fun centers or public water parks for people to enjoy. Check out:
Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA TODAY Network.
UPDATE: SUNDAY 4/19/2026 7:12 p.m.
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Northbound Powers Boulevards is back open at Palmer Park Boulevard, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD). However, the center and right northbound lanes as well as the right turn lane remain closed south of Constitution Avenue. Law enforcement asked the community to avoid the area if possible, and drive carefully.
ORIGINAL STORY: CSPD: Major crash closes northbound Powers
The northbound lanes of Powers Boulevard are closed at Palmer Park Boulevard for a major crash at Powers and Constitution as of 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD). Drivers are asked to avoid the area.
According to FOX21 News crew who spoke to an officer at the scene, the crash involved at least two cars and two motorcycles, and multiple people have been taken to the hospital.
Multiple agencies are responding, according to the FOX21 News crew, and the Major Crash Unit may be called in. Reports indicate that no one has died as of 5:30 p.m.
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