The Colorado women’s basketball team secured a 78-70 victory over Arizona at the McKale Center in Tucson on Tuesday. The win moves Colorado to a 19-8 overall record and 10-5 in Big 12 play, while Arizona falls to 11-15 and 2-13 in conference games.
The game was closely contested through the first half, with six lead changes in the opening 20 minutes. Colorado led by one point at halftime, but Arizona briefly took control late in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, after falling behind by seven points, Colorado rallied to take back the lead and close out the win.
“I just want to start by tipping my hat to Arizona,” head coach JR Payne stated. “What an incredibly resilient, well-coached, hard-nosed team. I thought that was a great battle. I think that type of battle shows you how great the Big 12 conference is. I’m proud of our conference, proud of how well teams are competing down the stretch. But man, that was not the prettiest game I don’t think any of us have been a part of, but really proud of our team for our resiliency and our execution down the stretch.”
Colorado had significant advantages in several statistical categories over Arizona, including points in the paint (50-26), rebounds (37-17), second-chance points (20-1), and assists (15-12). The Buffaloes also held Arizona to just 17 rebounds—the fewest they have allowed an opponent this season and also a season-low for Arizona.
Senior forward Anaëlle Dutat led Colorado with a career-high 20 points along with six rebounds, two steals, and one assist—her second consecutive game setting a new personal best for scoring. Sophomore forward Tabitha Betson contributed a season-high 15 points as well as five rebounds and four assists. Junior guard Zyanna Walker added 13 points and nine rebounds.
Other contributors included junior guard Desiree Wooten with ten points; senior forward Jade Masogayo with eight points; freshman forward Logyn Greer with seven rebounds; freshman guard Erianna Gooden who collected two rebounds; junior guard Maeve McErlane and freshman center Jade Crook each scored three points.
For Arizona, Noel Cornfield scored a game-high 25 points and provided eight assists.
With this result, Colorado improves its all-time record against Arizona to 24 wins and ten losses. The Buffaloes have now won five straight games against the Wildcats. In Big 12 play all-time, Colorado’s record stands at 119 wins and 154 losses.
Next up for Colorado is a home matchup against No. 20 Texas Tech on Saturday for senior day when seniors Jade Masogayo and Anaëlle Dutat will be honored. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. Mountain Time with streaming available on ESPN+.
For more information about Colorado women’s basketball including schedules and results visit CUBuffs.com or follow @CUBuffsWBB on social media.
