The Colorado women’s basketball team faced a tough challenge on December 21, losing to Arizona State 79-63 in their Big 12 opener. The game took place at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona.
The Buffs struggled at first, falling behind by 16 points in the first quarter. However, they showed great determination, fighting back to narrow the gap. Coach JR Payne praised the team’s resilience, noting, “It takes a tremendous amount of energy to claw your way back.” Despite their efforts, they couldn’t finish strong and learned they need to start games better.
Statistically, the Buffs had the edge in several areas: they scored more points in the paint (36-28) and off turnovers (28-25). They also led in offensive rebounds and steals, with 10 and 14, respectively.
Game Flow
The game started with ASU quickly establishing a lead. After a shaky first quarter, Colorado began to close the gap. By the end of the first half, they were behind only 39-31. Coming out stronger in the second half, they pulled within five points but couldn’t maintain the momentum as ASU surged late in the game.
Player Highlights
Several players stood out for Colorado:
- Zyanna Walker: 15 points, leading the Buffs.
- Jade Masogayo: Scored 14 points and had four assists.
- Anaëlle Dutat: Contributed 12 points and seven rebounds.
For ASU, McKinna Brackens led with 18 points, showing their balanced offensive attack.
Looking Ahead
Next, the Buffs will face Arizona at home on December 31. This matchup will be crucial as they look to bounce back and improve their performance in conference play.
Interestingly, a recent survey indicated that women’s basketball viewership is on the rise, with more fans tuning in for games than ever before. This could bode well for the sport’s growth and fan engagement in the coming years.
In conclusion, while the loss stings, the Buffs demonstrate promise and resilience. They aim to build on this experience, focusing on starting strong and maintaining their fight throughout the game.
For more insights into the Colorado women’s basketball team, visit CUBuffs.com.
