Senior Guard Kindyll Wetta dribbles the ball down the court at the game against Texas Tech University at the CU Events Center on Feb. 2, 2025. (Simon Vahnish / CU Independent)
The University of Colorado Women’s Basketball team (16-6, 7-4 conf.) defeated Texas Tech University (14-11, 3-9 Big 12) 67-51. The game on Sunday took place at the CU Events Center, where the Buffs collected their fifteenth win, putting them at seventh in the Big 12.
Colorado’s starting lineup featured fifth-year guard Sara-Rose Smith, senior guard Kindyll Wetta, graduate student guard Johanna Teder, graduate student forward Lior Garzon and junior forward Jade Masogayo. The first points of the game were scored by Masogayo after an over two-minute fight for possession. The Buffs dominated the first half, establishing a lead over the Lady Raiders that they maintained the remainder of the game.
CU led following the first quarter, 14-10, and ended the first half up 10 points, 31-21.
The second half started off slow for the Buffs. They picked up the pace toward the end of the third quarter, with four separate free throw attempts and a three pointer made by Garzon. The fourth quarter started with a triple from Tabitha Betson. Despite a struggle for points in the minutes leading to the game’s end, the Buffs were able to keep their lead. Texas Tech attempted to close the points gap, but could never gain enough momentum.
CU led following the third quarter 49-35, winning the game with 67 points following a final three from Wetta. The team was able to get the win, despite limited player numbers on the court.
“To do what we did with eight players,” Head Coach JR Payne said. “I’m just so impressed with our ballclub to be able to do what they did.”
Betson had a successful first game back from injury, after being out for two weeks without play,
“I feel like after being out for three weeks, I’ve just been really excited to get right out on the floor,” Betson said following the game.
Garzon, the night’s leading scorer earned the Buffs 17 of their 67 total points.
“The little things, that’s what makes us so good,” Garzon said. “So, I think that’s what really helped us today.”
The game served in celebration of the 50th anniversary season of Colorado Women’s Basketball, as well as honoring National Women and Girls in Sports Day. It also marked Alumni Weekend, with fans of all ages returning to the CU Events Center to cheer on the Buffs. The halftime celebration featured CU Women’s Basketball Alumni from the past 50 years.
“We work hard each and every day to try and make that group proud,” Payne said. “Any time we can connect the past with the present is special.”
The Buffs play again on Saturday in Iowa against Iowa State University at 3 p.m. MST. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Cecelia Tecu at cecelia.tecu@colorado.edu
