Graduate student forward Nyamer Diew guards Utah State’s Cheyenne Stubbs during a game in the CU Events Center on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 (Hunter Dee/CU Independent)
The University of Colorado women’s basketball team continued its incredible season with an explosive 95-65 win over Utah State University on Tuesday Nov. 19. With the victory, Colorado improved to 5-1 on the season, controlling the game from start to finish while showcasing its talent and hard work.
From the opening possession, Colorado’s starting lineup – Sara-Rose Smith, Kindyll Wetta, Nyamer Diew, Lior Garzon and Jade Masogayo – displayed collective strength. These players brought speed, control and communication to gain an early lead.
Masogayo, a standout performer for Colorado, recorded six assists and posted impressive shooting numbers, including a 71.4% free-throw percentage and 85.7% field-goal shooting. Her contributions helped Colorado build an early lead, finishing the first quarter with a 21-13 advantage.
Utah State fought to close the gap, using a high-pressure defense and double teams to force Colorado into 26 turnovers. The turnover total highlighted the game’s messy aspects.
“There were things we did on the floor that we didn’t want to do – like turning the ball over – but we never wilted,” head coach JR Payne said. “That’s something we’ve been really challenging our team on the past week or so: just playing tougher.”
Redshirt freshman guard Kennedy Sanders prepares to shoot a free throw during a game against Utah State University in the CU Events Center on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 (Hunter Dee/CU Independent)
Colorado steadily extended its lead throughout the game, finishing the first half up 46-39 and then outscoring Utah State 49-26 in the second half for the blowout victory.
Despite being a relatively new team, these early-season wins are crucial to Colorado’s success as the season progresses. The development of players like Masogayo and Garzon has been a key factor in the team’s dominance and aggressiveness on the court.
“It felt great,” Garzon said of her performance. “I talked with the coaches before the game, and they just said, ‘Focus and do the best you can. If you make it or miss it, just stay focused on the game.'”
CU Superfan Peggy Coppom stands next to CU women’s basketball players after a game against Utah State in the CU Events Center on Tuesday, Nov 19, 2024 (Hunter Dee/CU Independent)
At halftime, the crowd celebrated the 100th birthday of legendary Colorado fan Peggy, a special moment that brought added energy to the arena.
The game’s intensity continued in the second half, with more fouls and turnovers adding to the unpredictability. Still, Colorado’s communication and unselfish play kept the team in control, securing the decisive win.
Throughout the game, the Buffaloes’ fans made their presence felt with loud chants during free throws and key plays, creating an electric atmosphere that the players fed off.
Colorado will look to build on this momentum in its next game, scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the CU Events Center.
Contact CU Independent football writer Julie Torten Rabinowitz at Julie.Torten.Rabinowitz@Colorado.edu
Contact CU Independent basketball writer Lauren Heidt at Lauren.Heidt@Colorado.edu
