The University of Colorado Boulder Women’s Basketball team’s Tabitha Betson going for the hoop during their match against the University of Houston at CU Event Center on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Scott Tan/CU Independent)
The University of Colorado women’s basketball team (17-8, 8-6 Big 12) bounced back after two straight losses on the road, beating the University of Houston Cougars (5-20, 1-13 Big 12) by a score of 83-60 Saturday night. This was the first time the teams faced each other since 2001.
With injuries still plaguing the roster, Colorado has had to adapt to new starting lineups. While the Buffs were down starters including Jade Masogayo, other players stepped up. Sophomore forward Ayianna Johnson led the game with 20 points, while freshman Grace Oliver (16 pts, 14 rebounds) and Erin Powell (11 pts, 11 rebounds) both recorded double-doubles.
CU Boulder’s offense was stagnant to start, with early turnovers leading to quick points for Houston. Graduate student Laila Blair had seven of the Cougars’ 13 points, giving them a 13-9 lead heading into the first media timeout.
The University of Colorado Boulder Women’s Basketball team’s Lior Garzon guarding the ball during their match against the University of Houston at CU Event Center on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Scott Tan/CU Independent)
Colorado initially struggled to finish around the rim, with Houston’s defense collapsing into the paint. The Cougars recorded four blocks in the first quarter, but it was the Buffs that led after one, 21-15 thanks to a late 7-0 run and big shots from graduate student Lior Garzon.
From there, CU Boulder ran away with it. While Houston’s tough on-ball pressure made the Buffs work late into the shot clock to get good looks, they stayed patient, working the ball around for an open shot. Colorado outscored Houston 22-9 in the second quarter, shooting hot from beyond the arc. They shot 50% from the three compared to Houston’s 11% throughout the first half, going into the locker rooms up 43-24.
The University of Colorado Boulder Women’s Basketball team’s Kennedy Sanders going for the hoop during their match against the University of Houston at CU Event Center on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Scott Tan/CU Independent)
The Buffs’ big lead from the first half helped them the rest of the game, as the second half was more balanced. Colorado started slow, committing three turnovers in the first two minutes while Houston came out with intensity on defense, trapping the ball and making CU rush passes.
Kennedy Sanders handled the ball well for CU, dribbling through Houston’s on-ball pressure and scoring on multiple fast breaks. Sanders had eight points to end the third quarter and led Colorado with five assists, giving the Buffs a 19 point lead heading into the final ten minutes
Turnovers and fouls slowed Colorado in the fourth quarter, and Houston, with only six available players, took advantage, shooting seven for nine from the stripe. The Cougars went on a 9-2 run, cutting CU Boulder’s lead to 12.
However, the Buffs continued to battle. Johnson showed grit in the paint, scoring 14 points in the final quarter. CU ended the game with a 8-0 run for a final score of 83-60. Overall, Colorado had 49 points from the bench, a crucial stat with so many players out. They also out-rebounded Houston 48-24.
The University of Colorado Boulder Women’s Basketball team’s Kennedy Sanders passing the ball during their match against the University of Houston at CU Event Center on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Scott Tan/CU Independent)
“I think, when you have players like this that will step up when they are needed,” head coach JR Payne said after the game. “I think it’s a great sign.”
Oliver acknowledged the responsibility the healthy players take on in the face of injuries.
“I think we all know that we have to step up,” said Oliver. “Just give a little bit more.”
CU Boulder also had 50 points in the paint, a season high.
“We wanted to transition,” Payne said about taking advantage of Houston’s limited availability. “We wanted to get the ball inside.”
The Buffs will return to the CU Events Center to face off against No. 19 Baylor on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. The game will be available on ESPN+.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Lila Nuttle at lila.nuttle@colorado.edu.
Contact CU Independent Photographer Scott Tan at Scott.Tan@colorado.edu.
