Colorado’s women’s basketball team had an impressive victory over Southeastern Louisiana, dominating 73-41 in the first round of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament at the CU Events Center. This win propels the Buffaloes, seeded No. 1, into a matchup with No. 4-seeded Gonzaga on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Head coach JR Payne expressed her joy post-game, applauding her team’s performance. "Every game we win means another team goes home," she said. The Buffaloes showcased teamwork, with standout performances from Lior Garzon, Jade Masogayo, Kindyll Wetta, and Grace Oliver, who all contributed significantly to the score.
Garzon led the scoring with 18 points, shooting effectively from the field and the free-throw line. She reflected on their NCAA tournament disappointment but chose to focus on this opportunity to end the season on a positive note. "I just locked in from the beginning," she said, stressing the importance of confidence for the team.
The Buffaloes displayed excellent ball distribution with 18 assists and had four players scoring in double digits during the game. Freshman Grace Oliver added 12 points off the bench, while Wetta nearly notched a triple-double with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Coach Payne highlighted Wetta’s crucial role, particularly facing a high-pressure defense from SLU.
Despite having 19 turnovers, Colorado capitalized on their shooting opportunities, hitting an impressive 56.8% from the field. They delivered a decisive blow with a 21-0 run late in the game, which expanded their lead to a staggering 32 points. Payne emphasized that taking care of the basketball allowed them to score effectively.
Defensively, the Buffaloes didn’t let SLU establish a rhythm, limiting their opponents to just 16 field goals and a shooting percentage of 26.7%. SLU’s standout player, Alexius Horne, managed to score 14 points but was unable to turn the tide for her team.
In historical context, this win marks the Buffs’ return to postseason form. They have now won a postseason game for the third consecutive year and hold a 9-5 record in tournament play under Coach Payne. Notably, Masogayo has recorded double-figure points in 23 games this season and is nearing a career milestone of 1,000 points.
The team’s camaraderie and strategic execution reflect a solid season of growth. As they prepare to face Gonzaga, familiarity plays a key role. Coach Payne and associate coach Toriano Towns have previous ties to the Gonzaga program, setting the stage for a captivating matchup.
As Colorado gears up for Sunday, statistics show that teams with strong home court advantages tend to perform better, adding an extra layer of excitement to this upcoming game. The players and coaches are eager to build on this success and continue their postseason journey.
For more insights on this game and the upcoming matchup, check out the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament page.
Check out this related article: Columbia Triumphs Over Washington: A Historic First Win in March Madness!
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