UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, the Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball team suffered a heartbreaking 74-68 defeat against the No. 22 Louisville Cardinals at the KFC Yum! Center on November 12, 2025. The Buffs led for most of the game but faltered in the crucial fourth quarter, raising questions about their late-game execution.
The Buffaloes, now holding a 1-1 record, started strong and led by as many as 11 points early on. However, cold shooting, going just 2-for-15 in the final quarter, and a staggering five turnovers proved detrimental to their chances of victory. Coach JR Payne expressed disappointment but noted the potential for growth in his young team.
“I’m really proud of a lot of things that we did tonight,” Payne stated. “Obviously disappointed with the outcome, but a lot of young players contributed really well.”
Zyanna Walker, who began her career at Louisville, shone brightly off the bench with a career-high 19 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. She reflected on the emotional weight of the game, saying, “For me, I think it hit harder than my other teammates… I wanted to go back and beat my old coach.”
Despite the loss, the Buffs demonstrated resilience, leading at each quarter’s end. However, a critical stretch in the fourth quarter where they went nearly five minutes without scoring ultimately cost them. Louisville capitalized on this, executing an 8-1 run that shifted the momentum.
Anaelle Dutat also had a standout performance, securing her second consecutive double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out. The Buffs out-rebounded the Cardinals 46-34 and shot 41% from the floor compared to Louisville’s 39%.
Looking ahead, the Buffs will host Portland State on Sunday at the CU Events Center, with tip-off set for 1 p.m. on ESPN+. This matchup presents an opportunity for Colorado to regroup and build on the positives from their performance against Louisville.
As the season progresses, the Buffs aim to refine their late-game strategy and continue developing their young roster. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how they respond in their upcoming games, especially after such a closely contested battle.
