Fifth year guard Sara-Rose Smith brings the ball up the court during the game against the University of Northern Colorado at the CU Events Center on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Clementine Miller/CU Independent)
On Nov. 7, The University of Colorado women’s basketball team played its first home game against the University of Northern Colorado in an exciting showdown. The introduction to the Big 12 proved not only successful but also sent a strong message to the rest of the conference about what’s to come this season. Currently ranked sixth in the Big 12, Colorado arrived at the game with one intention: domination.
Starting freshman forward Tabitha Betson proved to be a game-changing player. Betson showed up for her team in an impactful way throughout the game with an aggressive and determined spirit that echoed through the arena. Forward Lior Garzon scored 20 points, and guard Sara-Rose Smith led in rebounds with 11 among other contributors.
The game started with a tough man-to-man defense from the Buffs. The Bears struggled to give an answer to the dominant Buffs team, giving up points and racking up fouls throughout the game. In the first quarter, UNC guard Neenah George carried the Bears with a seemingly frustrated fight to continue communication and build momentum, finishing the game with eight points and four rebounds.
The quarter foreshadowed how the matchup would progress. Despite UNC’s efforts to close the point gap, the Buffs led 16-9 and continued to advance the point gap through full-court press coverage and a high-intensity pace throughout the game.
Junior forward Jade Masogayo shoots a free throw during the game against the University of Northern Colorado at the CU Events Center on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Clementine Miller/CU Independent)
A clear theme of selflessness and positive communication radiated from the Buffs, showcasing productive teamwork and a deep understanding of each player’s strengths and weaknesses. As the game continued, UNC’s aggression and grit continued to challenge Colorado with fast breaks and steals on both sides of the ball.
A new challenge in the game was the dynamic efforts of Colorado’s supporters, which proved crucial in closing out the game.
By the end of the half, Colorado was up 44-34. Post players like Betson, Jade Masogayo and Nyamer Diew impacted the performance of Colorado with standout big bodywork and intentional actions contributing to the team’s success against UNC.
“This group, above any team maybe I have ever coached, has really poured into each other away from basketball very quickly,” head coach JR Payne said. “They were super intentional all summer long about spending time together, learning each other, knowing each other – which with so many new players was going to be really important to our success.”
After halftime, the Bears returned to the court with a vengeance. Their efforts to increase intensity and aggression were clear, and the frustration seemed to transfer to Colorado’s players. Coming into the half with man-to-man coverage, the UNC players struggled to prevent fouls and subsequently gave up points to Colorado, which completed free throws at a higher rate than before the half.
The Buffs continued to display strong defense with steals and took advantage of the momentum they had created. Kennedy Sanders scored her first career points in the third quarter, and Colorado’s continued selflessness proved to be a strong suit for the team.
Graduate student forward Nyamer Diew cheers during the game against the University of Northern Colorado at the CU Events Center on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Clementine Miller/CU Independent)
In a dramatic and heated fourth quarter, UNC’s strive for an upset fell short despite good communication and numerous charges against Colorado. The defense from UNC forced Colorado to run down the shot clock, but Sara-Rose Smith made an impressive play with a steal and basket, bringing the game to a 75-64 lead for Colorado. This was immediately followed by Tabitha Betson beating the shot clock for a basket and earning another chance for Colorado at a free throw following a foul from UNC.
The game ended with a score of 81-66, with Colorado winning, in an excellent showcase of what this new team is capable of following the absence of key players from last season. After the game, guard Johanna Teder spoke to reporters about how the game gave them insight for the rest of the season.
“Just trust and we’re going to find the open looks and all that, so just keep trusting what we’re doing and just keep playing together. It’s going to just get better and better,” Teder said.
Contact CU Independent staff writer Julie Torten Rabinowitz at julie.tortenrabinowitz@colorado.edu
