The Colorado women’s basketball team saw their season end in the second round of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament, losing to Gonzaga, 64-55. This marked the conclusion of a strong season for the Buffaloes, who finished with a record of 21-13, securing their fourth straight season of 20 or more wins.
Head coach JR Payne praised his team’s perseverance. "I’m proud of how everyone stepped up," he said. The commitment from both players and staff made a significant difference throughout the challenges they faced.
In her last game, graduate transfer Lior Garzon led the Buffs with 15 points. Jade Masogayo, a junior transfer, contributed 11 points and five rebounds. Freshman Tabitha Betson also made her mark with six rebounds and four points.
Two long-time players, Kindyll Wetta and Sara-Rose Smith, also played in their final game. Wetta had four points, four rebounds, and four assists. Over her four years, she amassed 480 assists, ranking seventh all-time in the program. "I’ll miss my teammates the most," Wetta shared. Smith, who dealt with injuries, managed five points in just six minutes of play and finished her two seasons with 234 points and 278 rebounds.
"I feel like my career is ending too soon," Smith reflected, expressing a wish for more time on the court. She emphasized the meaningful relationships built during her time at Colorado, which she cherishes deeply.
Garzon capped her single season at Colorado with 268 points. She leaves Boulder having scored 1,625 points in her college career. Unfortunately, the team also missed key player Frida Formann, who was sidelined for the final 13 games. She ends with 1,538 points, making her CU’s all-time three-point leader.
Gonzaga’s Yvonne Ejim and Allie Turner both scored 15 points to help their team secure a spot in the WBIT quarterfinals.
The game began with a strong start from Colorado, highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers from Garzon. They took an early lead, but Gonzaga quickly rallied to tie the game. Although the Buffs controlled the pace initially, their offensive struggles became evident in the second quarter, where they shot only 30%.
After trailing at halftime, Colorado fought hard in the second half but struggled to find their rhythm, finishing the game with a low shooting percentage. Despite their efforts, the Buffs fell short.
Throughout the game, Gonzaga capitalized on turnovers and played strong defense, which proved critical in maintaining their lead. Both teams ended with 31 rebounds, underscoring the competitive nature of the matchup.
As the Buffs reflect on this season, they can take pride in their growth and resilience. Their performance has laid a foundation for future seasons, and the team looks forward to building on this year’s achievements.
For more insights on women’s college basketball dynamics, check out the latest reports from sources like the NCAA here, which provide detailed statistics and analyses of team performances and trends in the sport.
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